Sotto makes most of minutes as 36ers rout Wildcats

MANILA, Philippines – Kai Sotto's Adelaide 36ers continued their bid for a playoff spot in the 2022-23 NBL season after a 96-82 drubbing of the Perth Wildcats at the RAC Arena on Thursday.

Sotto, who has been a role player for Adelaide coach CJ Bruton, pitched in six points, five rebounds and a block in 14 minutes of action to help his team to victory.

The Filipino big man returned to action after missing out on Adelaide's road game against the New Zealand Breakers due to visa issues.

The 36ers, now with a 5-5 slate, leapfrogged Perth (5-6) in the standings and stand smack in the middle of the ten-team league at 5th.

Perth tried to stage a comeback when they slashed Adelaide's lead to single digits, 69-60, late in the third salvo, but the 36ers had one last run in them to pull away anew.

They led by as much as 19 points, 94-75, with 3:22 ticks left in the lopsided affair.

Sotto's contribution off of the bench played supporting role to four Adelaide players finishing in twin digit scoring.

Robert Franks paced Adelaide with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assits, two steals, and a block. Daniel Johnson, for his part, poured in 17 markers in 23 minutes of action.

Bryce Cotton, who leads the league in scoring, paced PErth in the loss with 17 points while Corey Webster added 14 points off the bench.

Sotto and Adelaide hope to rise above .500 when they face the Cairns Taipans on Friday, December 2.