Greg Blake scored a career high 15 points in the win.

Razorbacks Upset 36ers in Adelaide

Posted: Sat Nov 7, 1998 at 9:03 AM ET

The NBL's newest side West Sydney tonight claimed the prized scalp of reigning champions Adelaide on its home court in a commanding 17-point victory on the back of a 28-point game from star guard Derek Rucker. Rucker, in his first full game of the season after injury, started slowly scoring only three points in the opening term but was a key to the Razorbacks domination of the match in the last three quarters. Coach Gordie McLeod was jubilant after the match and said he could not find words to describe the feelings of pride in his team. "Any victory on the road for a new club is sensational but to beat a team like Adelaide is amazing, it is hard to explain it in words," McLeod said. "We got good contributions from everyone, Greg Blake stepped up and shot some big baskets, Simon Dwight was not happy with his offensive game but in defence he intimidated and dominated the boards. "For us to be successful we cannot rely on one or two, we need a contribution from everyone and we got that tonight." Adelaide skipper Brett Maher got his side off to a brilliant start, shooting 15 points in the opening seven minutes to take the Sixers to a 13-point lead. Maher's faultless start to the game included three triples without a miss and two skilful drives to the basket. But the Razorbacks steadied with Rucker working his way into the match after a quiet start.

The visitors trailed by eight points at quarter-time but a nine-point second term from Rucker and strong defence by talented centre Dwight put them up 48-47 at the main break. West Sydney burst to an 11-point lead just three minutes into the second half with three-pointers to Rucker and Blake and two doubles to Dwight. The 36ers struggled to find the basket under the Razorbacks defensive pressure, Dwight continuing to provide a strong presence under the basket and Blake having a brilliant quarter at both ends of the court to lead by 15 points at the last break. Two quick two-pointers in the last term took the lead to 19 points and virtually ended Adelaide's chance of winning the match although the shocked home side managed some consolation baskets close to full-time to narrow the final margin to 17 points. Rucker's 28 points included four three-pointers to be the game-high scorer while Ernest Nzigasanabo hit 16 points.