Adelaide 36ers’ Kai Sotto. ADELAIDE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Adelaide 36ers fell to defending champions Melbourne United, 97-78, in Kai Sotto’s first game back in Australia’s National Basketball League Saturday at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
Melbourne bumped their record to 7-2 to remain atop the league while the 36ers slipped to 3-4.
Sotto finished with six points, his first in the NBL, with eight rebounds and one steal in more than 16 minutes of playing time for Adelaide.
SOTTO 𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗠!
📺 – @ESPNAusNZ + @kayosports pic.twitter.com/eQHGxJWpq8
— Adelaide 36ers (@Adelaide36ers) January 22, 2022
Jo Lual-Acuil had 18 points and eight rebounds for Melbourned United while Chris Goulding finished with 18 points and two boards.
Cameron Bairstow had 18 points and eight rebounds to lead the 36ers.
Adelaide will next face the Illawara Hawks on Monday at WIN Entertainment Centre.