Kai Sotto’s best game so far in the 2022-23 National Basketball League season went for naught, as Adelaide saw its two-game winning streak snapped by New Zealand, 70-99, Friday at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
Sotto was averaging just 1.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in the 36ers’ first three games. He tallied 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting with seven rebounds.
However, it was not enough to weather the Breakers’ third-quarter storm.
Already down 38-46 at the half, the 36ers’ defense could not contain the Breakers, who exploded for 28 points in the third frame to push their lead to 24 points, 50-74.
The lead was at its biggest in the final frame, going to as high as 31 points, 99-68, after a Tom Vodanovich bucket.
Antonius Cleveland was held down to just 14 points on 4-of-10 shooting while going a minus-29 in the game.
Craig Randall and Robert Franks finished with 11 points apiece.
Jarrell Brantley and Barry Brown Jr. led the Breakers to a league-leading 5-2 record with 22 points apiece. Brantley also got nine rebounds.
Izayah Le’afa also tallied 15 markers.
Adelaide will look to bounce back against South East Melbourne on Sunday at 1:00 PM.
