DREWITT'S BULBS MATCH REPORT: Adelaide Prevail Despite Hurt Brilliance

Despite an incredible individual showcase from Matt Hurt (32 points, six rebounds) and some laser like ball handling from Derrick Walton Jr, the Phoenix weren’t able to break their win drought.

Both teams were looking for their first victory for the campaign and both coaches preached defence would be the way there.

There were strong signs early when Joe Wieskamp (nine points, five rebounds) blocked man mountain and former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell and got to the charity stripe.

Wieskamp also dominated the early boards despite the 36ers fielding a big line-up, with Next Star Malique Lewis drawing inspiration with two offensive rebounds and a put back.

Hurt continued his strong start to the NBL with seven first quarter points, hitting the scoreboard from inside and outside. 

Walton Jr’s (10 points, 11 assists) vision was on show with three early assists that had the crowd and commentators in awe, on his way to 11 for the game.

Tensions flared between Harrell and Tom Vodanovich, engaging in a push and shove, both slapped with technical fouls.

The hosts pulled away in the second half to a game-high 20 point-lead as Jordi Hunter fell foul of the refs whistle, with Hurt asked to fill the five spot in his absence.

The former Memphis Grizzlies forward was the shining light for the Phoenix, unwavering throughout and taking it to the 36ers bigs on both ends.

The Phoenix were gifted two free throws to launch the final stanza after a high performance staff member from the 36ers illegally entered the floor.

The margin was reduced to just eight on the back of back-to-back threes from Lewis inside the space of five seconds, but it would be Adelaide who would hold onto victory at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

The Phoenix next host the Brisbane Bullets next Saturday Night at John Cain Arena.

FULL TIME STATS

Hurt: 32p/6r/2a
Lewis: 14p/4r/1stl/1blk
Walton Jr: 10p/3r/11a/1stl
Sobey: 9p/4r/1a/1stl
Wieskamp: 9p/5r/1stl/1blk
Hunter: 8p/7r/1a/1blk
Vodanovich: 1p/1stl
Foxwell: 1r
Ayre: 2a/1stl

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