By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Kai Sotto and the Adelaide 36ers kept their 2022-2023 National Basketball League (NBL) playoffs hopes alive after a 99-96 win over Cairns Taipans at the Cairns Convention Center on Monday night, January 30.

The 7-foot-3 Sotto was also instrumental in the victory as he tallied 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting, including a three-pointer, to go with two rebounds and an assist in another starting role.

Antonius Cleveland led the way with 27 points, with 11 coming in the fourth quarter, along with seven rebounds, while Robert Franks chipped in 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists for Adelaide.

Former Golden State Warriors guard Ian Clark and Daniel Johnson also hit double-digits on offense with 11 each for the 36ers, which snapped its five-game losing skid to a 12-14 record.

Despite the win, the 36ers’ playoff stint still hangs in the balance as they need to win their final two matches against Sydney Kings on February 3 and Melbourne United on February 5.

In the process, Sotto and the 36ers needed to pray that the Perth Wildcats dropped all their remaining matches against the Taipans on Friday, and Kings on Sunday, for the 36ers to have a shot at the playoffs.

Sotto made his presence felt early in the opening quarter as Adelaide clung to a slim 25-24 advantage. The Filipino big man added four more points in the second quarter, but the Taipans snagged a 53-50 lead at the half.

The game remained tight for both squads in the third quarter with the Taipans holding to a 77-75 lead, but went on a strong start in the fourth quarter as they built a 10-point advantage.

However, the 36ers showed their determination to return to their winning ways with Cleveland drilling consecutive baskets along with Franks and Clark to complete the stunning win.

Sam Waardenburg and D.J. Hogg top-scored for the Taipans with 26 points apiece, Bul Kuol added 15 markers, while Ben Ayre contributed 11 points as they dropped to a 17-10 slate./ASC, WDJ