Rucker runs too hot for Pirates
Brisbane guard Derek Rucker blazed 30 points as the Bullets finally lived up to pre-season predictions plundering the Hunter Pirates 118-90 at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
With a tough opening schedule behind them, Brisbane are beginning a serious streak with four wins in a row - three in the past seven days.
The impressive part about Brisbane's recent wins has been the manner in which they have been achieved.
Against Perth on Wednesday night it was the front court combination of imports Kevin Freeman and Bobby Brannen with a combined 52 points and 35 rebounds.
This time it was the backcourt's turn.
Rucker lit up with 30 points and also dished out nine assists while Simon Kerle (21 points) unleashed an explosive second quarter blitz that sunk the Pirates hopes of an upset.
Kerle applied the blow torch, scoring 11 straight second quarter points including three successive triples.
His shooting exhibition took Brisbane's total from 49 to 60 in a few minutes on the way to a 62-40 half time lead.
Freeman (29 points and 12 rebounds) and Brannen were by no means overshadowed but it was the outside shooting that put the Pirates to the sword.
Brannen had an off night shooting with 3-13 and only managed five rebounds but his defensive work was as strong as always.
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