Adelaide and Phoenix were in a neck-to-neck battle as they took each turn to dominate in simultaneous frames.

As the Phoenix was getting the advantage, the Filipino import tried to turn the table around as he delivered a season-high nine rebounds, four points, two assists, one steal, and three blocks in 19 minutes.

Sotto also contributed a decisive block and huge offensive rebound in the final two minutes.

Still, Sotto’s efforts were in vain as 36ers fell to the hands of Phoenix, thereby absorbing their loss, and now on 5-10 standing.

Daniel Johnson tied the game at 76 after Sotto’s key play then Kyle Adnam scored three from the dip before Brandon Ashley threw a layup to make it a five-point game, 81-76.

Ryan Broekhoff finished the game with two successful free throws and had 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists combined with Mitchell Creek’s 29 points secured the victory for Phoenix. 

Meanwhile, Johnson led Adelaide with 31 points, eight rebounds, and four dimes. 

Sotto and the 36ers will try to get back on their feet as they will face the Perth Wildcats on Sunday, March 6, at 10 am, Manila time.