Adelaide 36ers beat Cairns Taipans 83-69 in NBL clash
Adelaide 36ers defeated Cairns Taipans 83-69 at a sold-out Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Sunday, led by Bryce Cotton's 25 points.
Cotton and Nick Rakocevic set the tone early, sparking a 14-0 run that shifted momentum decisively toward Adelaide. Rakocevic finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, hitting his first seven shots.
The 36ers led 32-17 after the first quarter and never surrendered control. Cairns struggled with defence, rebounds and turnovers from the opening minutes.
Coach Adam Forde had to call two early time-outs as the Taipans fell apart. Despite Jack McVeigh scoring 21 points for Cairns and teammate Malique Lewis setting an all-time franchise record with seven blocks, the Taipans could not close the gap.
- 83-69
- Final score
- 25
- Bryce Cotton points
- 21 points, 12 boards
- Nick Rakocevic points and rebounds
- Adelaide Entertainment Centre, sold-out
- Venue
Why it mattersAdelaide returned to the winners' circle after a one-point loss to Perth, and the convincing margin showed the 36ers are back on track heading into finals.
AustraliaThe Adelaide 36ers are a major regional sporting drawcard, and strong performances keep fans engaged in South Australian basketball.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 8 h ago
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