Boomers guard Brett Maher made a successful return from injury to inspire the Adelaide 36ers to a 116-110 win over the Hunter Pirates in their NBL clash at Newcastle.

Maher had missed the past five games with a hamstring problem and in his absence the 36ers were 2-3.

But he corrected the ledger in a five-star performance and racked up 19 points and two assists in 29 minutes.

The Pirates trailed at every break, but reduced the margin to four points in a thrilling final minute.

In the end it was the cool head of Maher and the power of dynamic duo Martin Cattalini (30pts and 8 rebounds) and Dusty Rychart (24pts and 8 rebounds) which proved the difference.

Maher controlled the points and Cattalini and Rychart both hit clutch free-throws down the stretch.

The win improved the 36ers record to 11-13 while the Pirates have now slumped to 2-19.

The Pirates entered the clash hoping for a double, after they had toppled the 36ers 103-99 in round six.

But those hopes looked to have evaporated as the visitors opened up a 39-30 lead at quarter time.

Cattalini was unstoppable on the way to 10 points from a perfect five-from-five shooting.

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