The Melbourne Tigers drew first blood in the National Basketball League pre-season Blitz competition in Cairns when they beat the Sydney Kings 54-49 in a tough Pool A match.

It was a physical beginning to the weekend with Daryl Corletto top-scoring for the Tigers with 12 points and veteran guard Darryl McDonald adding 11.

Chris Anstey also had seven points as the Tigers led by as many as 14 points late in the second 12 minute half.

For Sydney Luke Kendall showed encouraging signs of recovery from last season's knee injury, finishing with 12 points, while BJ Carter added eight for the Kings.

In other Pool A games, Townsville continued its impressive pre-season form with a 69-58 disposal of Adelaide, with new import Larry Abney impressive with a game-high 18 points, while rising star Brad Newley had 14.

Adelaide were best served by Oscar Forman with 12 points.

Hunter Pirates were too strong for West Sydney, finishing 55-40 winners with new import Odell Bradley contributing 13 points for the winners and Russel Hinder 11 for the Pirates.

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