NBL Round 4 (Regular Season): Perth defeat Cairns in the closest game of the week

After 4 rounds played we can already see who rules in the NBL and who belongs to weaker ones. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 4 in the NBL took place in Cairns. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of much higher ranked Taipans (3-3) to eighth ranked Wildcats (2-3) 90-87 on Thursday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Bryce Cotton (182-1992, college: Providence, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording 35 points (!!!) and the other American import forward Kristian Doolittle (201-1997, college: Oklahoma, agency: Pensack Sports) who added 19 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Wildcats' coach John Rillie used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side American guard Rob Edwards (196-1997, college: Arizona St.) responded with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Perth moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Tasmania JJ. Cairns at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with Adelaide. Perth is looking forward to face higher ranked NZL Breakers (#6) in Auckland in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Cairns will play at home against the league's leader Illawarra having rather not much hope for a victory.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Taipans (3-3) against fourth ranked Kings (4-2) on Sunday night. Visiting Taipans were crushed by Kings in Sydney 99-73. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The winners were led by the former international forward Xavier Cooks (203-1995, college: Winthrop) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and Shaun Bruce supported him with 21 points and 4 assists (perfect from downtown making all six shots !!!). Even 22 points and 9 rebounds by New Zealand forward Samuel Waardenburg (208-1999, college: Miami, FL) did not help to save the game for Cairns. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Sydney moved-up to second place, which they share with Melbourne. Cairns at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with Adelaide. Sydney will play against Tasmania JJ (#7) in Hobart in the next round where they are favorite. Cairns will play at home against the league's leader Illawarra and hope to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Adelaide 36ers (3-3) against fourth ranked United (4-2) on Sunday night. Visiting Adelaide 36ers were crushed by United in Melbourne 106-79. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Adelaide 36ers. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Jack White fired 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Montrezl Harrell produced 12 points and 9 rebounds for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Melbourne moved-up to second place, which they share with Sydney. Loser Adelaide 36ers dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with Cairns. Melbourne's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Melbourne SE Melbourne.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 4: Sydney lost to Adelaide on the opponent's court 79-89. Illawarra outscored Tasmania JJ in a home game 109-76. Brisbane managed to beat SE Melbourne on the road 87-85.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 13 points and 5 rebounds by Marcus Lee of Melbourne.



Cairns - Perth 87-90

The most exciting game of round 4 in the NBL took place in Cairns. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of much higher ranked Taipans (3-3) to eighth ranked Wildcats (2-3) 90-87 on Thursday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Bryce Cotton (182-1992, college: Providence, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording 35 points (!!!) and the other American import forward Kristian Doolittle (201-1997, college: Oklahoma, agency: Pensack Sports) who added 19 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Wildcats' coach John Rillie used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side American guard Rob Edwards (196-1997, college: Arizona St.) responded with 24 points and 7 rebounds and New Zealand forward Samuel Waardenburg (208-1999, college: Miami, FL) scored 14 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Four Cairns players scored in double figures. Perth moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Tasmania JJ. Cairns at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with Adelaide. Perth is looking forward to face higher ranked NZL Breakers (#6) in Auckland in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Cairns will play at home against the league's leader Illawarra having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Perth: B.Cotton 35+4reb+2ast, K.Doolittle 19+11reb+4ast, D.Windler 13+3reb+1ast, I.Almansa 6+5reb+1ast, T.Webster 6+2reb, J.Wagstaff 4+1reb+1ast
Cairns: R.Edwards 24+7reb+1ast, S.Waardenburg 14+5reb+7ast, J.Antonio 12+1reb+2ast, P.Bradshaw 12+8reb, K.Galloway 10+7reb+2ast, A.Gak 9+10reb+1ast

Adelaide - Sydney 89-79

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 4th ranked Kings' (4-2) road loss to third ranked Adelaide 36ers (3-3) 79-89 on Friday. The former international guard Dejan Vasiljevic (190-1997, college: Miami, FL) fired 26 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American forward Montrezl Harrell (203-1994, college: Louisville) chipped in a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds. Forward Keli Leaupepe (198-2000, college: LMU) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds and American forward Cameron Oliver (203-1996, college: Nevada) added 16 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kings' coach rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Adelaide 36ers have a solid three-game winning streak. Despite that victory Adelaide went down to fourth position due to points difference, which they share with Cairns. Loser Kings dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with Melbourne. Adelaide will meet at home Tasmania JJ (#7) in the next round. Sydney will play against Tasmania JJ (#7) in Hobart and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Adelaide: D.Vasiljevic 26+7reb+3ast, K.Davis 19+5reb+3ast, M.Harrell 18+14reb+2ast, I.Humphries 14+8reb+1ast, N.Marshall 6+2reb+1ast, S.Dech 3+4reb+2ast
Sydney: C.Oliver 16+4reb+1ast, M.Maluach 10+6reb+2ast, K.Leaupepe 10+10reb+2ast, T.Robertson 10+3reb+5ast, X.Cooks 8+3reb+3ast, A.Toohey 6+3reb

Illawarra - Tasmania JJ 109-76

Very predictable result in Gwynneville where first ranked Hawks (4-1) smashed 7th ranked JackJumpers (2-3) 109-76 on Saturday. Illawarra dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to JackJumpers's 38. Illawarra outrebounded Tasmania JJ 43-28 including 19 on the offensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Illawarra made 8 blocks. The former international power forward Samson Froling (209-2000, college: Creighton) fired 21 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Guard William Hickey (194-1999) chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds. Five Hawks players scored in double figures. American point guard Jordon Crawford (168-1990, college: BGSU, agency: Slash Sports) produced 19 points and 5 assists and the former international forward Will Magnay (208-1998, college: Tulsa) added 11 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Illawarra maintains first position with 4-1 record. Defending champion Tasmania JJ keeps the seventh place with three games lost. They share the position with Perth. Illawarra will meet Cairns (#4) on the road in the next round. Tasmania JJ will play against Adelaide in Findon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Illawarra: S.Froling 21+5reb+2ast, T.Harvey 19+1reb+4ast, W.Hickey 15+8reb+3ast, D.Days 15+9reb, H.Lee 10+4reb, T.Kell III 10+2reb+3ast
Tasmania JJ: J.Crawford 19+4reb+5ast, W.Magnay 11+4reb+4ast, M.Deng 10+2reb, C.Steindl 9+1reb+3ast, C.Sword 7+1reb+3ast, F.Krslovic 6+3reb

SE Melbourne - Brisbane 85-87

The game between closely ranked teams ended with bottom-ranked Phoenix's (0-5) home loss to ninth ranked Bullets (1-3) 85-87 on Saturday. Brisbane outrebounded SE Melbourne 49-30 including a 21-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. New Zealand center Tyrell Harrison (214-1999) fired a double-double by scoring 21 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. American guard Keandre Cook (194-1997, college: Missouri St.) chipped in 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Bullets players scored in double figures. Bullets' coach Justin Schueller allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Matt Hurt (206-2000, college: Duke) produced 24 points and 6 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Derrick Walton Jr (185-1995, college: Michigan) added 19 points and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Bullets maintains ninth position with 1-3 record. It was SE Melbourne's fifth loss in a row. They still close the standings with five games lost. Brisbane will meet at home higher ranked NZL Breakers (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. SE Melbourne's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Melbourne to the arena Melbourne.
Top scorers:
Brisbane: T.Harrison 21+17reb, J.Batemon 20+1reb+3ast, K.Cook 15+7reb+4ast, C.Prather 15+6reb+3ast, J.Bannan 8+9reb+5ast, M.Norton 6+3reb
SE Melbourne: M.Hurt 24+6reb+1ast, D.Walton Jr. 19+1reb+5ast, J.Wieskamp 10+3reb, M.Lewis 8+4reb+1ast, J.Hunter 7+7reb+1ast, M.Kenyon 5+3reb

Sydney - Cairns 99-73

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Taipans (3-3) against fourth ranked Kings (4-2) on Sunday night. Visiting Taipans were crushed by Kings in Sydney 99-73. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Sydney outrebounded Cairns 50-34 including 17 on the offensive glass. Sydney players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. They brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. The winners were led by the former international forward Xavier Cooks (203-1995, college: Winthrop) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Shaun Bruce (190-1991) supported him with 21 points and 4 assists (perfect from downtown making all six shots !!!). Five Kings players scored in double figures. Even 22 points and 9 rebounds by New Zealand forward Samuel Waardenburg (208-1999, college: Miami, FL) did not help to save the game for Cairns. American swingman Pedro Bradshaw (201-1998, college: Bellarmine) added 16 points for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Sydney moved-up to second place, which they share with Melbourne. Cairns at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with Adelaide. Sydney will play against Tasmania JJ (#7) in Hobart in the next round where they are favorite. Cairns will play at home against the league's leader Illawarra and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Sydney: S.Bruce 21+4ast, X.Cooks 18+10reb+4ast, A.Toohey 15+6reb+3ast, K.Leaupepe 10+10reb+1ast, T.Robertson 10+3reb+3ast, C.Oliver 7+4reb+2ast
Cairns: S.Waardenburg 22+9reb+3ast, P.Bradshaw 16+3reb+1ast, A.Gak 8+6reb+1ast, K.Adnam 8+5ast, K.Galloway 6+1reb, R.Edwards 5+4reb+2ast

Melbourne - Adelaide 106-79

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Adelaide 36ers (3-3) against fourth ranked United (4-2) on Sunday night. Visiting Adelaide 36ers were crushed by United in Melbourne 106-79. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Adelaide 36ers. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Melbourne dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Adelaide 36ers's 44. Melbourne looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Adelaide's players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Melbourne made 8 blocks. International forward Jack White (201-1997, college: Duke) fired 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. New Zealand power forward Robert Loe (211-1991, college: St.Louis) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. Five United players scored in double figures. American forward Montrezl Harrell (203-1994, college: Louisville) produced 12 points and 9 rebounds and the former international center Isaac Humphries (216-1998, college: Kentucky) added 16 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Melbourne moved-up to second place, which they share with Sydney. Loser Adelaide 36ers dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with Cairns. Melbourne's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Melbourne SE Melbourne.
Top scorers:
Melbourne: I.Clark 18+3ast, R.Loe 16+6reb+1ast, J.White 15+7reb+1ast, M.Lee 13+5reb+2ast, C.Goulding 13+2reb+2ast, M.Dellavedova 11+3reb+8ast
Adelaide: K.Davis 17+2reb+2ast, I.Humphries 16+6reb, M.Harrell 12+9reb+1ast, N.Marshall 8+3reb+3ast, D.Vasiljevic 8+1reb+1ast, S.Dech 8+4reb+3ast