Adelaide could not ride the momentum from its win over Cairns last Friday as it was overwhelmed by Melbourne United two days later, taking a 74-101 loss in the 2021-22 National Basketball League season, Sunday at John Cain Arena.
Figuring in a tight first half, Melbourne caught fire from deep in the third canto, draining four treys in a 23-point quarter while limiting the 36ers to just 15. By the end of the fiery flurry, Melbourne was up 69-56.
It was all Melbourne from there as Matthew Dellavedova took charge in the final frame, firing back-to-back triples to start the quarter.
Mason Peatling’s bucket with 1:09 left gave Melbourne its biggest lead of the game, 99-69.
It was bounce-back win for Melbourne, who just lost to Perth last Thursday. It went up to 15-5 in the standings to remain in pole position.
Melbourne saw six players score in double-digits with Jo Lual-Acuil and Brad Newley leading the way with 15 points apiece. The former also grabbed nine rebounds.
Jack White got 12 points while Ariel Hukporti tallied 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
Chris Goulding added 10 points and five assists while Shea Ili also got 10 markers.
Daniel Johnson paced Adelaide with 18 points while Tad Dufelmeier chipped in 11 points.
Kai Sotto played 19 minutes in the contest, finishing with 12 points and four rebounds.
Adelaide will host S.E. Melbourne on March 27.
