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.