Cotton and Sixers Rally to Triumph Over Phoenix
Bryce Cotton delivered an impressive performance, leading the Adelaide 36ers to an 88-71 victory over the South East Melbourne Phoenix. This win came after the 36ers experienced a tough loss to the Sydney Kings earlier in the week.
Cotton’s Standout Performance
Cotton rebounded from a disappointing game against the Kings, where he scored only seven points, to score 28 points against the Phoenix. He also contributed six assists, showcasing his ability to facilitate plays. With this victory, Cotton remains undefeated against the Phoenix in their previous four meetings, dating back to last season.
Key Contributions from the Team
The 36ers demonstrated strong teamwork, with Isaac Humphries stepping up with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. DJ Vasiljevic added eight points and three rebounds, while Zylan Cheatham contributed eight points along with 14 rebounds and three assists.
Phoenix Struggles
The Phoenix struggled throughout the game, shooting only 33 percent. Jordan Hunter was their top scorer with 16 points, while Nathan Sobey scored 12 points in his 300th NBL game, though he faced challenges with his shooting, going 4-for-14. Angus Glover and Malique Lewis each contributed 11 points.
Game Highlights
- Cotton scored 15 points in the first quarter, establishing a strong momentum for the 36ers.
- Adelaide built a commanding lead of 43-19 after a technical foul was called against the Phoenix.
- At halftime, the 36ers were leading 50-27, largely due to their effective offensive strategy.
- Despite some late-game efforts, the Phoenix could not close the gap, ending the game 17 points behind.
Looking Ahead
The 36ers are set to face the Cairns Taipans this weekend, while the Phoenix will host the Illawarra Hawks in a rematch of last year’s playoffs. Both teams aim to secure crucial wins in their respective matches.
This latest victory puts the 36ers in a strong position as they continue their campaign in the Hungry Jack’s NBL Season 2025/26.
