Kai Sotto anchors 36ers’ defense in win against Cairns

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Kai Sotto and the Adelaide 36ers had a huge bounce back in the 2022 Australian National Basketball League (NBL) after dominating the Cairns Taipans, 82-71.

Adelaide is coming off a disappointing 77-73 loss against Brisbane and was eager to shake off the heartbreak with a huge win over the Taipans.

From the get-go, it was all Adelaide as the squad just imposed their will in both offense and defense, leaving no moment where the Cairns can take away the momentum and make a run.

The seven-foot-three Sotto became the main anchor in Adelaide’s defense after tallying a game-high three total blocks alongside his five points and five rebounds.

The 36ers were paced by gunner Daniel Johnson who chipped in 18 huge points and nine rebounds backstopped by Mitch Mccarron with 14 and Sunday Dech with 13 points.

Adelaide’s victory over the Cairns helped improve their record to five wins and seven losses and are looking to clinch their second win in a row when they face the tough Illawarra squad on February 25.

Sotto is currently having a promising debut with Adelaide after lifting the team in several contests including their matchup against former NBA guard Matthew Dellavedova and Australian national team staple Chris Goulding and their Melbourne squad.

The young Gilas Pilipinas cadet chalked up 12 points and four rebounds including the dagger jumper from the right elbow that sealed the win for Adelaide, 88-83.