Kai Sotto didn’t see action in the Adelaide 36ers’ 87-74 upset of the erstwhile leader Perth Wildcats Tuesday, Jan. 18 in Australia’s National Basketball League.
Sotto watched from the bench as the 36ers leaned on a big start before thwarting the Wildcats’ comeback bid in the second half to win in front of their home fans at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
Daniel Johnson had 21 points and eight rebounds, Cameron Bairstow posted 19 points and 10 rebounds while Mitch McCarron added 10 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists to give the 36ers an even 3-3 record.
It was Adelaide’s first match since Dec. 18 after a COVID-19 outbreak forced a number of its games postponed.
Sotto had played just one game this season due to knee soreness, but coach CJ Bruton had earlier said that the postponements may help the 7-foot-3 make a full recovery.
The win gave the 36ers a good start to a busy schedule that will see them play four games in the next week.
Up next is a match against new leader Melbourne United on Saturday, Jan. 22, followed by meetings with Illawarra Hawks on Jan. 24, Southeast Melbourne Phoenix on Jan. 25 and the Wildcats anew on Jan. 28.
Perth, despite the efforts of its star Bryce Cotton, dropped to second place at 5-2 following the defeat.