The Brisbane Bullets have secured their first home victory of the 2024/25 NBL season, defeating the New Zealand Breakers 84-73 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The win marks Brisbane’s second consecutive victory, a promising sign as they work toward consistency.
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Batemon shines once more
James Batemon continued his exceptional form off the bench, leading all scorers with 21 points, including an impressive five of eight from three-point range. His impact was clear, with a game-high +22 in the plus-minus column during his time on the court.
Batemon’s sharp shooting and steady presence off the bench have become a vital asset as the Bullets find their rhythm, marking his second consecutive 20-point performance as the sixth man.
Several Bullets players made significant contributions to the win. Josh Bannan overcame early shooting struggles to finish with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Casey Prather, celebrating his 100th NBL game, added a solid 13 points and 5 rebounds, underscoring his reliable presence in the league. Tyrell Harrison was another standout, providing a strong interior presence with 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.
Steady build to victory
Coach Justin Schueller praised his team’s defensive grit, which limited the Breakers’ outside shooting options and held them to under 80 points. “Any time in our league when teams aren’t getting to 80 on the scoreboard, you have to be happy with the defensive effort,” Schueller remarked.
What brings even more optimism to fans’ eyes is the Bullets’ steady control throughout the contest, methodically extending their lead quarter-by-quarter. Outscoring the Breakers by small but consistent margins in each period, the team’s disciplined play ultimately culminated in a decisive 11-point victory.
The Breakers, returning from their NBLxNBA tour in the United States, showed signs of fatigue but remained competitive throughout the game. Parker Jackson-Cartwright led the Breakers with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
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The Bullets will aim to extend their winning streak during the final game of their homestand, facing the Tasmania JackJumpers on 26 October. With momentum building and the team finding its rhythm, the Bullets appear to be hitting their stride after a 0-3 start to the season.
Published 17-October-2024
Match preview published 13-October-2024.
Bullets vs Breakers: Brisbane Aim to Break New Zealand’s Undefeated Record
The Brisbane Bullets aim to capitalise on their recent success as they prepare to host the New Zealand Breakers this Thursday, 17 October. Bullets vs Breakers tip off 6:30 p.m. at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
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Momentum from first victory
After their first win of the season, an 87-85 nail-biter against South East Melbourne Phoenix, the Bullets enter their second home game with renewed energy. Coach Justin Schueller praised the team’s resilience, noting an improved consistency that had been missing in prior games.
“The most enjoyable part is that I thought we put four quarters together,” Schueller states, reflecting on the team’s struggles with inconsistency outside the fourth. “There were little dips and what not, but the gaps that we’d been having didn’t feel like they were there tonight.”
The standout from the Phoenix game was Tyrell Harrison, who posted an impressive 21-point, 17-rebound stat line. Harrison made history by grabbing 12 offensive rebounds, setting a new benchmark in the NBL’s 40-minute era. His record-breaking performance was instrumental in Brisbane’s dominance on the boards, accounting for 21 offensive rebounds overall and showcasing the team’s physicality in the paint.
Seventy-one of Brisbane’s 87 points came from Harrison and three other players. Off the bench, point guard James Batemon brought a spark, shooting a remarkable 6 out of 9 from three-point range. Batemon finished with 20 points, keeping the Bullets competitive with his hot shooting from deep.
Two other players posted double-digit points: Keandre Cook contributed across the board with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Casey Prather added 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Sophomore big man Josh Bannan delivered an all-around performance, tallying 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. In the game’s final seconds, Bannan came up clutch with a game-sealing defensive stop, preserving the Bullets’ two-point lead as the clock ran out.
Bullets vs Breakers
The Bullets’ season opener against the Breakers was a thriller that came down to the wire, ending in a close 91-87 defeat. Brisbane showed fierce determination, lighting up the final quarter with a scorching 35 points. That fourth-quarter fire almost wiped out a steep early deficit, hinting at the team’s potential when they’re in sync.
Now, the Bullets have the chance to even the score on their home court. This time, they’re aiming for consistent intensity across all four quarters rather than relying on a last-minute surge. The upcoming game presents an opportunity for Brisbane to test their improved focus and show up for all forty minutes against a formidable opponent.
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Fans can expect a high-stakes showdown as the Bullets look to build on their first win, aiming to hand the Breakers their first defeat of the season and, even more importantly, give Brisbane fans their first home victory of NBL25.
