Sotto, 36ers keep playoffs bid alive

FILIPINO import Kai Sotto and the Adelaide 36ers kept their playoffs chances alive after snapping a five-game losing skid at the expense of the Cairns Taipans 99-96 Monday night in the National Basketball League at the Cairns Convention Center in Cairns, Australia.

Despite getting into foul trouble early in the game, the 7-foot-3 Sotto pumped in 12 points on a 4-of-5 shooting laced with two rebounds and one assist in more than 12 minutes of action in the do-or-die contest for Adelaide.

Antonius Cleveland scored 11 of his 27 points in the final period to lead the 36ers, who rose to a 12-14 win-loss card, good for eighth spot.

Cleveland also punched in seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Robert Franks chipped in 20 points, 9 boards and 5 assists.

American import Ian Clark scored on a floater to give Adelaide a 99-96 lead with 34 seconds to go. The 36ers then got a stop on the other end of the floor but Clark committed a turnover.

Fortunately for the 36ers, Shannon Scott missed his layup and Cleveland drew a foul. Cleveland missed both his free throw attempts but iced the win for Adelaide by coming up with a steal off Tahjere Mccall with 12 seconds remaining.

Sotto and the 36ers needed to win their last two games against the Sydney Kings on Friday and Melbourne United on Sunday to stay in contention for the playing leg.

The 36ers also need the Perth Wildcats (14-12) and the Melbourne United (14-13) to lose their remaining games to create a three-way tie for sixth place.

The top six teams will advance to the next round with the first and second placers getting automatic spots in the semis. NIEL VICTOR MASOY