Gold Coast is MVP Bryce's 'Scorer's Paradise'

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Adelaide delivered a wire-to-wire statement, blowing the game open early and never letting Brisbane settle. The 36ers led by nine after the opening quarter and steadily stretched the margin across all four periods, finishing with a dominant +33 result built on elite shot-making and constant pressure.

The visitors’ offensive efficiency was decisive. Adelaide shot 67.2 percent from the field, knocked down 11-of-26 from three (42.3%), and generated 25 assists on 39 made field goals. Their fourth quarter was the knockout punch, outscoring Brisbane 39–19 as the Bullets struggled to contain ball movement and inside finishes.

Bryce Cotton orchestrated the win with 22 points, seven assists and a game-high +32, controlling tempo and repeatedly punishing late rotations. John Jenkins added 19 points on 5-of-9 from deep, while Isaac Humphries was near-perfect inside with 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting, anchoring the paint at both ends. Flynn Cameron (16 points) and Zylan Cheatham (six points, seven rebounds, six assists) rounded out a balanced starting unit.

Brisbane’s night was far tougher. The Bullets shot just 37.7 percent from the floor and 6-of-33 from three (18.2%), spending the entire game chasing the scoreboard. Jacob Holt was the lone bright spot with 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while Mitch Norton (11 points, six assists) and Taine Murray worked hard without consistent scoring support. Brisbane never led and managed just nine points in the third quarter, a stretch that effectively ended the contest.

The result underlined Adelaide’s current offensive ceiling and depth, while Brisbane were left searching for answers after being outmatched in efficiency, execution, and late-game resistance.

Key Details

• Result: Adelaide 36ers 107 def. Brisbane Bullets 74
• When: 28th of January 2026
• Where: Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre, Queensland
• Attendance: 2,441
• Standings

Key Performers

• Adelaide: Bryce Cotton — 22 pts, 7 ast, +32 │ Isaac Humphries — 16 pts, 5 reb │ John Jenkins — 19 pts (5 threes)
• Brisbane: Jacob Holt — 24 pts │ Mitch Norton — 11 pts, 6 ast

Team Stats Snapshot

• Adelaide: FG 39/58 (67.2%) │ 3PT 11/26 (42.3%) │ FT 18/19 (94.7%) │ AST 25 │ TO 16
• Brisbane: FG 26/69 (37.7%) │ 3PT 6/33 (18.2%) │ FT 16/20 (80.0%) │ AST 17 │ TO 10

What Happened

Adelaide wasted no time asserting their authority, opening with a stellar 33-point first quarter to Brisbane’s 24. The 36ers’ offensive ability was on full display as they moved the ball efficiently and found high-percentage looks, setting the tone for a dominant night. The Bullets responded in the second quarter, outscoring Adelaide 22-19, buoyed by Jacob Holt’s explosive start—securing 17 points by half-time. Despite Brisbane’s hustle, including seven offensive boards to Adelaide’s one in the first half, the 36ers took a 52-46 lead into the main break.

The third quarter saw Adelaide clamp down defensively, limiting Brisbane to just nine points while methodically extending their advantage. The 36ers’ ability to control the paint and lock in on defence forced the Bullets into tough shots and turnovers, culminating in a 16-9 third-period edge. Adelaide’s momentum rolled into the fourth quarter, where they erupted for 39 points, closing the game in emphatic fashion.

A heated moment erupted with just over three minutes remaining as a scuffle under the basket led to seven players being ejected. Nick Rakocevic and Hunter Maldonado were at the centre of the melee, with both receiving disqualifying fouls, alongside Bullets’ Terry Taylor and several bench players. Despite the chaos, Adelaide’s focus never wavered, as they poured in 18 points to Brisbane’s nine after the dust settled.

Bryce Cotton, though contained for stretches by Mitch Norton’s impressive defensive effort, still delivered an efficient and impactful performance—netting 22 points, dishing seven dimes, and grabbing five boards. John Jenkins was electric from outside, hitting five-from-nine from deep, while Isaac Humphries anchored the defence with four swats and contributed across the board. Jacob Holt was a lone bright spot for the Bullets, finishing with 24 points on a superb 9-from-13 shooting, including a perfect six-from-six at the charity stripe.

Adelaide’s offensive efficiency was outstanding, shooting 67% from the field (39-from-58) and a near-perfect 18-from-19 from the foul line. Their 25 assists showcased a full team effort, with balanced scoring across the starting unit. Defensively, the 36ers controlled the boards and protected the rim, while limiting their turnovers and capitalising on Brisbane’s mistakes. The Bullets, meanwhile, struggled to generate consistent offence outside of Holt’s contributions and were unable to recover after the third-quarter drought.

With this win, Adelaide locked in a place in the Ignite Cup Final and solidified their position atop the NBL ladder. Brisbane, meanwhile, will need to regroup after a disappointing night marked by late drama and offensive struggles.