In their 85-83 loss to the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday in the 2022–23 NBL season at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, the Adelaide 36ers’ late comeback fell short.
The hosts rallied from nine points down, 85-76, with 3:25 remaining, but were unable to complete the comeback as Anthony Drmic and Ian Clark missed their potential game-winning three-pointers in the last minute.
As he maintains his grasp on the starting center spot, Kai Sotto scored 16 points, matching his season high. In the loss, he also pulled down five boards and made two blocks.
The Filipino finished with a baseline drive that he finished with a dunk to cut Adelaide’s lead to 74-79 and a block on the other end to clinch his season-best effort.
Strangely, on November 28 of last year, during their first encounter, he also scored 16 points against the Breakers.
Antonius Cleveland scored 18 points and grabbed five rebounds, while Robert Franks led Adelaide with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 steals. Additionally, the two were the leaders of the late 7-0 run that gave their team a chance to win.
Off the bench, Clark contributed 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists as the 36ers once more lost, dropping to an 11-10 win-loss record.
On Thursday, Adelaide will play the Tasmania JackJumpers on the road in an effort to bounce back.
With 16 points and three assists, Barry Brown Jr. led the five New Zealand players who reached double figures.
