NBL: Kai Sotto scores 12 anew but Adelaide 36ers continue skid
Adelaide 36ers’ Kai Sotto. ADELAIDE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Adelaide and Kai Sotto still couldn’t get back on the win column after losing a close one to Tasmania, 76-71, Friday in Australia’s National Basketball League.
Sotto matched his career-high of 12 points for the second straight game, going 4-of-4 from the field but just grabbing two rebounds as the 36ers dropped to a 3-6 record.
The Jackjumpers and the 36ers are tied at the eighth seed in the 10-team league.
DJ puts it up.Kai throws it DOWN!
📺 – @ESPNAusNZ + @kayosports pic.twitter.com/RfxfFbIuhf
— Adelaide 36ers (@Adelaide36ers) January 28, 2022
Adelaide, which played without a legitimate big man in the final moments of the game, allowed Tasmania to attack the glass and grab six offensive rebounds in back-to-back possessions.
Matt Kenyon took advantage of the 36ers’ mismatched frontcourt as he converted on a layup for the Jackjumpers’ 72-69 lead with 1:44 left.
Sotto wasn’t able to play in the final 5:51 of the game after he incurred his fourth personal foul.
Dusty Hannahs led the 36ers with 22 points while Cameron Bairstow had an 11-point, 17-rebound double-double.
Josh Adams finished with a game-high 24 points with four rebounds, five assists, and four steals for Tasmania.