NBL22: Brisbane Bullets push Melbourne United after roster gutted by influenza

As flu spread through the Brisbane Bullets’ ranks, no one knew if they’d even have enough players. Here’s how they almost toppled the ladder leaders after 48 hours of hell.

Jason Cadee was brilliant for the Bullets in their effort against the reigning champions. Picture: Getty Images

The Brisbane Bullets had endured a hellish 48 hours before they took the floor against the best team in the NBL.

Decimated by the flu and up against the best team in the NBL, Jason Cadee told his teammates to “have some fun”.

It almost worked as the plucky Bullets — with just nine players on the team sheet — pushed top-of-the-table Melbourne United all the way in an 88-79 away scoreline that flattered the reigning champions.

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The flu claimed breakout Next Star Tom Digbeu, import Isaiah Moss, Taane Samuel and Tamuri Wigness. Add to that Boomers star Nathan Sobey and starting centre Tyrell Harrison had already been ruled out for the season.

Deng Deng was crook, but he passed a fitness test before the game.

“The last 48 hours have been a mess,” Cadee said Saturday after the game.

“Yesterday, I think we were going to the plane with six players and then Jack (Salt) ends up showing up at the airport, and then, overnight, Deng Deng’s sick as well.

“You’re playing one of the best teams in the league, you roll into their place, they need to win to stay on top.

Jason Cadee was brilliant for the Bullets in their effort against the reigning champions. Picture: Getty Images

“Before we ran out, I said ‘fellas, we have nothing to lose, no one expects us to win everyone’s been sick, let’s just have some fun and play some basketball and see where it gets us’.”

Sparked by 20 points from Cadee, 23 from import Lamar Patterson and 19 from sharpshooter Anthony Drmic, the Bullets did exactly that, holding a two-point lead with a tick under five minutes to go.

United flexed its defensive muscle and star Chris Goulding scored eight points in row to spoil the party, but it was a manful effort from a team that had little to play for but pride.

Anthony Drmic had a strong scoring night. Picture: Getty Images

“We made some shots, which helps, and then we got up and down and we were having fun and so sometimes when you do that and the shackles come off a little bit, it can be a nice fun way to play,” Cadee said.

“It’s a shame, I said at the end, it’d be nice to have Sobes and Ty here, our two starters, when we’re battling away with the top team.

“One-point game with five minutes to go and you just look around and think ‘imagine having those two on the court right now’, especially Sobes and the impact he has in games.”

The Bullets, who sit seventh and cannot make the finals, finish a tough season next Saturday in Cairns.