Kai Sotto’s perfect game went for naught as Adelaide stumbled late against Tasmania, suffering a tough 71-76 defeat, Friday at MyState Bank Arena.
The 7-foot-3 Filipino got 12 points on 4-of-4 shooting with two rebounds and a block in just 16 minutes of action.
Sotto though did not play in the last five minutes and 51 seconds of the game as he was assessed with his fourth personal foul.
The 36ers, who were already without Isaac Humphries, were able to weather the storm early as a Sunday Dech triple gave the visitors a 69-67 lead with 3:36 remaining.
But without a legit big man, the 36ers could not contain the Jumpjackers’ energy.
Josh Adams was able to knot the game at 69-all after scoring from the inside coming from three offensive rebounds.
In the next play, Matt Kenyon was able to do the same plus the harm after three offensive rebounds.
Though Cameron Bairstow was able to slice the lead down to 74-71 with 1:04 left, the 36ers could not convert on their three-ball after while free throws from Josh Magette late snapped Tasmania’s two-game slide.
Also proving as bane to Adelaide was its turnovers, committing 24 that led to 28 points for Tasmania.
The 36ers suffered their third straight loss to fall to 3-6 in the standings – same with the Jackjumpers.
Adams led Tasmania with 24 points, five assists, four steals, and four rebounds. Magette added 16 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and five steals.
Dusty Hannahs paced Adelaide early with 22 points on 9-of-21 shooting from the field. Bairstow notched a double-double with 11 points and 17 rebounds.
Daniel Johnson, meanwhile, produced 10 points and five assists but committed six turnovers.
Adelaide will next face Melbourne on Sunday at 10:00 AM.
