36ers make Razors bleed in one-sided battle

Friday night 20th April, another premiership for the superb Adelaide 36ers. After forcing the 2002 NBL Grand Final series into a deciding game at the Powerhouse in Adelaide, the vastly improved West Sydney Razorbacks looked in ecellent touch with stars Derek Rucker, Simon Dwight and former Adelaide 'rookie of the year' John Rillie all finding form. The week before in Sydney's 'slaugherhouse' the 36ers were edged out by three points when Derek Rucker and Rillie stepped up and led the ritous home side to victory. It was evident that after this series levelling match, that the 'Pigs' would go into the decider as favourites. However the home-side Adelaide, had other ideas.

It all began with Adelaide veteran Rupert Sapwell who has been rumoured to be leaving the club next season due to salary cap expenditures. He threw down numerous three-pointers that astonished West Sydney onlookers and even took the breath away from Adelaide super-coach Phil Smyth. Sapwell finished the quarter with 13 points and the home side looked comfortable with a slender lead. American import sensation Willie Farley and Brett Maher also looked in fine touch for the 36ers. For West Sydney, the day of 'catch up' began here as their star players Rucker and Rillie began slowly.

By three quarter time the 36ers controlled the game by 15 points and it was clear that the fans were getting ready to celebrate the club's record equalling fourth championship in five years. McGergor (28 points) and Dwight (25) played solid games for the Razors and were their only shining lights, as Rucker was shut out finishing with only 11 points. Adelaide captain and the Larry Stengstock Medalist Brett Maher finished with a game high 30 points with good assistance by Farley (22) and Stiff (19). The final quarter was a slaughter by the sixers as big man Mark Nash nailed consecutive long range field goals, and Willie 'Baby Jordan' Farley warmed up the crowd for celebrations with a couple of three pointers and trademark dunks. The final scoreline saw Adelaide 125 defeat West Sydney 107 by 18 points. It was a fitting end to the match and Grand Final series as captain and arguably the greatest point guard in Australia held onto the ball as the final seconds diminished.

This victory sparked havoc in Adelaide as the 8000+ fans at the powerhouse and the thousands around the state celebrated another championship for the city. West Sydney played really well throughout the season and in the playoffs and there is no doubt in my mind that they will be championship contenders in the years to come. However the 36ers truly are one of the greatest sides of all time and with their unbelievable home crowd at the Powerhouse, coming to Adelaide to play in such a 'high stakes' match is extremly difficult.

It is now interesting to see the possibilties available to the sixers as to whom will remain and come into the side next season. It is almost certain that Martin Cattalini will return and a high possibilty that Adelaide born Paul Rogers will also come 'home' to help in the championship defence. Willie Farley is off to America to try out for the NBA but lets hope for Adelaide and the future of the NBL's sake, that he fails in his bid and returns to Adelaide, his new home.