ADELAIDE 36ers' late rally fell short in an 85-83 loss to the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday in the 2022-23 NBL season at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
Anthony Drmic and Ian Clark missed their potential game-winning treys in the final minute as they failed to close out the hosts' rally from nine points down, 85-76, with 3:25 to play.
Kai Sotto matched his season-high in points, scoring 16 as he continues to hold down the starting center position. He also hauled down five boards and two blocks in the defeat.
The Filipino capped his season-best performance with a baseline drive he capped with a dunk to bring Adelaide within 74-79 and a block on the other end.
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Curiously, he also scored 16 against the Breakers in their first meeting back in Nov. 28 last year.
Robert Franks paced Adelaide with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and three steals and Antonius Cleveland got 18 points and five boards. The two also led the late 7-0 spurt to put their side within a shot of winning.
Clark added 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists off the bench as the 36ers once again fell to an 11-10 win-loss record.
Adelaide will try to rebound on the road against the Tasmania JackJumpers on Thursday.
Barry Brown Jr. led the five New Zealand players to score in double figures with his 16 points and three assists.
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