NBL
Charles Carmouche of the Kings defends against Jamar Wilson of the Taipans. Photo: Getty Images
The 36ers almost blew a massive first-half lead in a tense NBL encounter with Melbourne Tigers before hanging on for a 90-87 win in their clash in Adelaide.
Second-placed Adelaide (5-2) led by as much as 26 points during the first half of Friday night's home game.
An offensive rebound from Anthony Petrie proved crucial in the dying seconds for the 36ers, with Gary Ervin (21 points and eight assists) stepping up to ice the game from the free-throw line.
Pushed all the way: Mark Worthington of the Tigers claims two valuable points against Wollongong. Photo: Mick Connolly
Mark Worthington poured in 23 of his 28 points in the second half for the Tigers, but the damage was done early by the 36ers. Melbourne's Chris Goulding had 23 points.
Tigers' coach Chris Anstey said his side's first-half performance was unacceptable.
''We didn't rebound, we didn't run and dropped our heads,'' Anstey said.
Tall order: Brian Conklin of the Crocodiles attempts a jump shot over Alex Pledger of the Breakers. Photo: Getty Images
Adelaide coach Joey Wright was concerned at his side's third-quarter fadeout as the Tigers went on a 14-0 run.
But Wright added: ''Our guys did a great job of withstanding it (Melbourne's late surge), not getting nervous.''
The third-placed Tigers had a scare of their own on Sunday at home, being forced to fight all the way to beat bottom side Wollongong 81-76.
Goulding scored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, producing a clutch jumpshot with 41 seconds remaining to put the Tigers four points clear.
''I just went left, gave a little step back and tried to get away from the defence,'' Goulding said of his match-winning effort.
''We weren't ruthless enough ... We got up six or seven around that third quarter. We've got to learn to step on teams' throats and finish it out.''
Worthington had 20 points and five rebounds while Rotnei Clarke (17 points, four assists) and Tim Coenraad (14 points, seven rebounds) helped keep the Hawks in the contest.
Competition leaders Perth (6-0) had a bye.
The fourth-placed Kings improved to 3-3 with a 99-86 victory over sixth-placed Cairns in Sydney on Friday night.
Sydney coach Shane Heal said guard Ben Magden, who scored a game-high 31 points, had made a freakish recovery from an ankle injury which was supposed to keep him out for another month.
''Tonight's effort was amazing,'' Heal said.
Heal says AJ Ogilvy, whose 23 points included five dunks, is also in amazing form.
Demetri McCamey had 16 points for the Taipans who have a 2-3 record.
In a game that featured 50 fouls, a record for the Townsville Entertainment Centre, the Crocodiles recorded a 91-78 win over defending champions the New Zealand Breakers on Friday.
Brian Conklin shot 33 points for the home side while the visitors were held to 39 per cent field-goal accuracy.
Gary Wilkinson had 19 points for the seventh-placed Breakers who are 2-5 after seven matches, while the Crocodiles scored their second victory from five games.
Townsville coach Shawn Dennis praised Conklin's low-post work and said the American had the potential to dominate the league.
AAP
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