Overtime

KAI SOTTO DELIVERS SIX POINTS AS ADELAIDE BOWS TO ILLAWARRA

Kai Sotto was limited to six points as Adelaide 36ers fell to Illawarra Hawks, 87-71, on Friday in the Australian National Basketball League at WIN Entertainment Centre.

/ 26 February 2022

Sotto delivered six points, three assists, and one block but the Filipino import only played for 15 minutes

Illawarra dominated the 36ers in every quarter, and at the end of the second half, the Hawks had a 50-37 advantage.

Following an 11-point victory against the Cairns Taipans on Sunday, Adelaide tried to retaliate in the third frame, limiting the Hawks to 12 points.

Adelaide tied the game at 57-all after Sotto’s impressive play and a three-pointer by Daniel Johnson, but the Hawks turned the tables and went on a 13-2 run to take the lead, 70-59, with 6:29 remaining in the fourth frame.

Duop Reath’s Hawks contributed 18 points and eight rebounds, while Justinian Jessup blasted three three-pointers for his 17 points, allowing the team to widen the gap in the final quarter and finally win.

Meanwhile, Sunday Dech scored five threes for his 18 points, combined with Johnson and Todd Withers contributing 13 points apiece to lead the 36ers.

Adelaide will return home on Sunday to face the Sydney Kings in an attempt to bounce back.