The Ants soared ahead to an 8-2 lead in the first 1.54 minutes. However, contributions from Denzel Valentine, Jordi Hunter, Jaylen Adams and Jaylin Galloway saw the game at a 10-all tie. The Kings trailed 38-29 in the second term before the JackJumpers’ lead grew to 14 points. Late contributions by Shaun Bruce and Kouat Noi aided the Kings significantly closing the half on a high – despite going into the sheds with a 12-point deficit.
The Ants upheld their lead in the third quarter before free throw contributions from Hunter and Shaun Bruce, drew their lead into the single digits.
A late three-pointer from Adams, brought spirits up but despite this, the Kings were unable to climb higher and the Ants ran out with the 10-point win.
Adams (21 points) once again top-scored for the Hoops Capital club, while also adding 10 rebounds and five assists.
Other standouts in the loss were Hunter (16 points and five boards), Toohey (13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks) and Valentine (12 points, eight boards and six dimes).
Mahmoud Abdelfattah’s side, who are now 4-2, next head to the Cairns Convention Centre on Saturday, October 28, to face the Taipans from 7.30pm.
The Kings’ next home game is on Sunday, November 5, from 3.45pm against New Zealand – which will not only mark a grand final replay from last season but also represent the club’s annual Indigenous Round.
First season home loss for Kings
IN a thrilling yet heartbreaking encounter for fans, the Sydney Kings suffered their first home loss of the season on Sunday, losing 105-95 to the Tasmania JackJumpers at Qudos Bank Arena.
