Adelaide 36ers’ Kai Sotto. –ADELAIDE 36ERS PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Kai Sotto had his best game yet in Australia’s National Basketball League on Saturday, but not even his inspired play could break Adelaide out of its slump.
Sotto scored a season-high 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds, a performance that went for naught after the 36ers suffered a 84-75 loss to the New Zealand Breakers.
Sotto-matic.
1️⃣1️⃣ points in 9️⃣ minutes.
📺 – @ESPNAusNZ + @kayosports pic.twitter.com/Uc2uBN77yp
— Adelaide 36ers (@Adelaide36ers) March 12, 2022
The Breakers took an early double-digit lead before the 36ers fought back led by Sotto’s flurry in the second quarter.
The 19-year-old Filipino center, who is listed at 7-foot-2, nailed a triple and had a dunk during a torrid stretch that pulled Adelaide within close range.
As per the NBL, Sotto became the tallest player to hit a triple in NBL history.
Adelaide lost for the fifth straight game and slipped to 5-12.