Basketball fans were treated to a fast-finishing match last week as Mount Gambier hosted an NBL preseason match at Wulanda.

The Mount Gambier Pioneers hosted the Adelaide 36ers in a “home game” against the Brisbane Bullets, following on from the success of last year’s preseason game.

With around 1300 in attendance the night started with the celebration of Castec Rural Pioneers player Nick Marshall who was presented with his NBL1 South MVP, NBL1 South All Star five and NBL1 leading scorer trophies.

Pioneers head coach Richard Hill was also acknowledged for being named the conference’s Men’s Coach of the Year.

The 36ers started strong in their first preseason game, outscoring Brisbane in the opening quarter to establish a nine point lead.

The Bullets shook off their slow start and responded well in the second stanza, scoring 29 points to cut the lead to one at half time.

Both sides were evenly matched in the third term as they went back and forth trading shots.

The Bullets remained in the game, trailing by three heading into the deciding quarter.

Brisbane took it right up to Adelaide in the final period, snatching back the lead late in the game.

This spurred the 36ers on as they lifted their workrate, but the Bullets refused to back off as they knocked down back to back threes to hold a three point lead with 30 seconds left to play.

In the final frantic seconds of the match, the ball found its way into the hands of Sunday Dech who knocked down a three with five seconds left on the clock.

Dech made the shot to tie the game and was also fouled on the play, which sent him to the line with the opportunity to grab the lead.

As the huge crowd held its breath, Dech hit the free throw to give Adelaide the lead.

Brisbane immediately called a time out the to set up the last play of the match, but the 36ers defended well to shut down the Bullets and sealed the victory, 97-96.

Adelaide’s newest import Kendric Davis finished as the game’s highest scorer with 25 points.

Nick Marshall saw a fair amount of court time coming off the bench, playing 22 minutes and finishing as the team’s second highest scorer with 18 points.

After the game Davis said he had enjoyed his first real competitive hit out with his new side.

“It went great, it was awesome to get out there with my teammates and play a real game,” he said.

“We have been going against each other for weeks now, so it was good to get out there and play another team and see what we looked like and see what we need to work on.

“Any chance I get to go out there and play with my teammates and for my coach, I feel good.”

36ers head coach Mike Wells said he had enjoyed his side’s visit to the Blue Lake city.

“They were great down in Mount Gambier. Great hospitality, awesome venue and it was great for us to get away and play against somebody else,” he said.

“We have been practicing now for over three weeks against ourselves and it was great to play against another team with another system and they had great size.

“I was told it was going to be cold but it was great, awesome gym, great atmosphere and they put on a really good show.”

Pioneers president Tom Kosch spoke to The SE Voice after the game and was thrilled with the successful night.

“It was hugely successful, to be able to host it at Wulanda in front of 1300 fans on a Wednesday night was a huge success for our basketball club and a spectacle for our community,” he said.

“We are really fortunate to the public here and some that travelled a bit further throughout the region to come and support the event and both Adelaide and Brisbane were hugely happy with the outcome of the game and the opportunity to be able to do it in Mount Gambier..”

Kosch was delighted to see that Nick Marshall was recognised for his Pioneers season at the start of the night as well as playing some good minutes for the 36ers.

“I think for the Pioneers community it was fantastic to be able to recognise his achievements from the NBL1 South season,” he said.

“He obviously picked up not only the league MVP but also the league’s leading scorer and the All Star Starting Five which is outstanding for our program but then to be able to see him in different colours and representing the 36ers was hugely exciting for everyone in attendance.””

Kosch and the Pioneers are working with the 36ers to bring another NBL game to Mount Gambier next year.

“Were working closely with the 36ers to be able to make sure we can facilitate another game next year,” he said.

“Obviously the second year of hosting it at Wulanda was a key focus for our club and we’re really focused on being able to make it a regular 
fixture.

“I think through the club’s connection with the 36ers and with our own state we will continue to push NBL basketball here in Mount Gambier but also look to host other events when we can.”

Kosch said he was grateful for the support of ASW Lawyers as the headline sponsor of the event which helped with the costs of bringing the teams to Mount Gambier.

Kosch was also thankful for the City of Mount Gambier for their support.

“They have been hugely supportive of our club and have been able to help deliver events at Wulanda and we will work with them closely to ensure that we can continue to do that in the future” he said.

The 36ers begin their season on September 22.