Bryce Cotton delivered a spectacular performance to lead the Adelaide 36ers to a decisive victory over the Perth Wildcats at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Adelaide overcame a halftime deficit by unleashing a dominant 29-9 third quarter, which featured a critical 14-0 run and secured the 36ers a commanding 17-point advantage.
Cotton was instrumental throughout, scoring 24 points by the end of the third quarter and finishing the game with a game-high 36 points. His six three-pointers and pivotal plays energized the home crowd of 10,041 fans, helping Adelaide claim their tenth home win of the season. NBL legend Andrew Gaze praised Cotton’s court vision, calling him a “basketball savant” after an impressive assist during the third quarter.
Match Flow and Key Moments
The Wildcats started strong, leading by three points at halftime despite Adelaide’s slow offensive start that included an 0-of-5 shooting run early in the game. Perth capitalized on early foul troubles for Adelaide’s big man Isaac Humphries and led 29-20 after the first quarter. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr spearheaded Perth’s initial momentum with dominant plays in the paint.
Cotton’s second-quarter rally helped Adelaide seize the lead for the first time in the game. He scored 13 points in the quarter, efficiently hitting three three-pointers and boosting the 36ers’ shooting efficiency to 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Perth struggled with long-range shooting, making only 21 percent by halftime, though three Wildcats players, including Kristian Doolittle and Lual-Acuil Jr, reached double digits.
Impactful Performances and Injuries
Besides Cotton, the 36ers thrived on teamwork and defensive pressure during their third-quarter surge. The visitors faced a setback when Perth import David Duke Jr suffered a severe hyperextension on his left elbow early in the game. The injury forced Duke Jr to leave the court, creating a blow to Perth’s rebounding and interior defense.
Adelaide’s coach Mike Wells saw his team improve their record to 17-4, maintaining their position at the top of the league ladder. Perth fell to 11-10 after the loss, highlighting the competitive nature of this matchup and the importance of home-court advantage for the 36ers.
Statistical Highlights
- Bryce Cotton: 36 points, 6 three-pointers
- Adelaide 36ers: 29-9 third quarter scoring run
- Crowd attendance: 10,041 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre
- Perth Wildcats: 21% shooting on three-pointers at halftime
- Adelaide 36ers season record post-match: 17-4
- Perth Wildcats season record post-match: 11-10
The win solidifies Adelaide’s dominance at home and showcases Bryce Cotton’s significant role in the team’s offensive strategy. As the season progresses, Adelaide’s combination of sharpshooting and defensive intensity positions them as strong contenders heading into the remaining fixtures.
Read more at: www.foxsports.com.au-
-
-
-
