Brisbane scores NBL win over West Sydney
Former West Sydney pin-up boy Derek Rucker came back to haunt his old team at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, scoring a game-high 45 points in the Brisbane Bullets' come-from-behind 107-103 victory.
In what Bullets' coach Joey Wright described as a "virtuoso performance," Rucker single-handedly took control of proceedings to silence the 2305-strong home crowd.
"It was an awesome performance by Derek, he loves playing at Homebush," Wright said.
"He is a class player and I wouldn't swap him for anyone."
The Razorbacks held a seven-point advantage at the main break, with both sides deadlocked 24-all at the end of the first quarter.
Razorbacks' forward Cam Rigby nailed a three-pointer on the buzzer to send the home crowd into rapture going into three-quarter time, giving the Pigs a nine-point advantage.
But Rucker was not to be denied. His leadership and willingness to win rubbed off on his teammates with American import Bobby Brannen impressing with 18 points.
Brannen was ably supported by Sam Mackinnon who chipped in with five assists.
West Sydney coach Mark Watkins lamented his team's lost opportunity but was quick to heap praise on Rucker for his five-star display.
"There is no substitute for class," Watkins told AAP.
Post a comment about this article
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.