Filipino center Kai. Adelaide 36ers Photo
MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto provided quality minutes but Adelaide absorbed a 74-101 blowout to defending champion Melbourne United in Australia’s National Basketball League on Sunday at John Cain Arena.
The 7-foot-2 center delivered 12 points, highlighted by a three-pointer, and tallied four rebounds and one assist in 19 minutes of play for the 36ers.
But the 19-year-old’s effort went for naught as Melbourne asserted its mastery of Adelaide, relying on a balanced attack led by Brad Newley and Jo Luial-Acuil, who scored 15 points each.
Jack White was also instrumental in Melbourne’s lopsided win with 12 points. Ariel Hukporti delivered 11 markers, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks, while Chris Goulding and Shea Ili added 10 each to keep their team in the No.1 spot with 15-5 record.
The 36ers failed to carry their momentum from a rousing 83-57 win over Cairns Taipans two days ago as they slid to 6-13 record and lost two of their three season games against Melbourne United.
Daniel Johnson led Adelaide with 18 points and four rebounds, while Tad Dufelmeier chipped in 11 points, five boards, and three assists in their sixth loss in seven games.
Sotto and Co. will return to action next Sunday, hosting the South East Melbourne Phoenix at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.