Basketball On The Internet.

SYDNEY won the mind game last night and reduced the 36ers to a shadow of the team which caught them last week, winning their third NBL clash 106-84.

That scoreline may have been less decisive than it appears, Adelaide finally clearing its bench late, mindful of well-rested Townsville tomorrow on the schedule.

But take nothing, absolutely nothing from the Kings’ performance of grit and determination, led by Al Harrington and Jason Cadee but with Tom Garlepp and Julian Khazzouh making mighty contributions to the success as well.

Rhys Carter also shone as the Kings tied it at 33-33, then left Adelaide choking on their fumes, ahead 55-40 at halftime built on a triad of triples from Big Al.

Every run the Sixers made was put down in a 34-21 final period during which the Kings exorcised any and all demons from the previous week.

And while I understand Brendan Teys not wanting to allow Dion Prewster to close the contest with an exclamation mark fast-break slam dunk, his takedown of the Kiwi swingman left a lot to be desired.

SPEAKING of being desired, the controversial “Ref Cam” on Fox’s coverage finally was put to good use last night with this double-take.

Before he even realised he’d made a boob, our cam-wielding ref had a second go! Who says our refs are blind?

Tonight: YOU know, Perth in New Zealand is a hard one to pick because, not only do these teams have recent rivalry history, but they’re somewhat unpredictable. That said, you can count on the Wildcats to show up, while the Breakers? Not so much. After the events of Sunday though, Dean Vickerman will have his team primed for the win.

HEY, it is Friday the 13th so why not believe it’s the bewitching hour for Melbourne’s unbeaten start in Cairns? Not a lot separated them last time and with Hakim Warrick still out, I like the Taipans for the upset.

Last night: KINGS 106 (Harrington 27, Cadee 22, Thornton 17, Garlepp 13, Khazzouh 10; Harrington 11 rebs; carter 6 assts) d 36ERS 84 (Randle 22, Johnson 15, Ere 11, Creek, Petrie 10; Johnson 9 rebs; Gibson 6 assts) at the Kingdome.