It took three tries but it was worth it for Kai Sotto and Adelaide.
The 36ers finally scored one against the Sydney Kings, taking a 90-82 stunner in the 2021-22 National Basketball League season, Sunday at Qudos Bank Arena.
Prior to this contest, Adelaide almost stung Sydney twice, only to fall 93-90 last February 27 and 84-77 last April 9.
This time around, the 36ers were able to hold on.
Figuring in a 72-all deadlock midway through the final frame, Adelaide utilized its heft, constantly gaining the offensive boards before eventually finding Sunday Dech for a trey.
Daniel Johnson and Dusty Hannahs then joined in the act, knocking down back-to-back triples to gain an 81-72 lead with 2:58 remaining.
Though Jaylen Adams was able to cut the lead down to four with 36 ticks left, Hyrum Harris, Johnson, and Mitch McCarron were steady from the line, securing the 36ers’ ninth win in 26 games.
Hannahs scored 22 points to lead Adelaide while Johnson got a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Dech also finished with 11 points built on three triples.
Sotto also had a solid game despite being in foul trouble, tallying seven points, three rebounds, and a block. The 7-foot-3 teenager also went a plus-12.
Sydney, who saw its 13-game winning streak snapped to fall to 18-8, was led by Adams, who had 28 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block.
Xavier Cooks also got a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds while Makur Maker added 15 points.
Adelaide plays its penultimate game of the season on April 22 against South East Melbourne.
