Time for Talk Over for Sixers

Adelaide 36ers’ star Antonius Cleveland has emphasised the hunger the team has to get back on the court and record a much-needed win.

The 36ers play the Illawarra Hawks on Friday night after a long week in practice stewing over their loss against the Cairns Taipans, where they blew an 18-point final quarter lead.

Cleveland has explained Adelaide is prepared to put the Taipans result behind them and start a winning streak.

“I think we’re ready to get out there and get a W, get that taste out of our mouth from our last game,” Cleveland said.

“We’ve all just been taking it one day at a time leading up to (the game against Illawarra), I think we’re all ready to get out and play again.

“Every game is important, we’re so close and the race is so tight, and we know that. A team like this, you want to take care of business and not have any slip ups.”

The 36ers are seventh on the ladder with a 10-9 record with nine games left of the season. Cleveland reiterated the need to secure more wins at home in front of their fans and that the 36ers want to start adopting an intimidating demeanour.

“We want to keep protecting this place and make it hard to play here,” he said.

“These two games are going to be huge for us to do just that.

“No more excuses, we just want to keep clicking at the right time and continue to get better.”

Adelaide hosts Illawarra on Friday night at 7:30pm AEDT at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.