Sotto makes presence felt for 36ers

MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto had a decent debut as an Adelaide 36er, helping the team to a gritty 91-87 overtime win over the Cairns Taipans in the NBL Blitz preseason opener yesterday at the MyState Bank Arena in Tasmania.

Sotto made the most out of his limited action, finishing with seven markers, five rebounds, an assist and a block in 19 minutes ignited by an and-one slam dunk for his first NBL marker.

The 7-foot-3 Filipino sensation started for the 36ers and won the jump ball before going for a baseline jam at the 7:01 mark of the second period, giving Adelaide a 29-20 lead.

He also finished strong for the 36ers, draining a crucial bucket in the last 43 seconds of regulation for a 74-72 lead before his teammates took care of business in the extra session.

Daniel Johnson (33 points) and Tad Dufelmeier (14) led the way for Adelaide.