NIKOLE JAVIER 

Kai Sotto and the Adelaide 36ers on Monday, Jan. 30, ended a five-game losing skid with a 99-96 upset of the second-seeded Cairns Taipans in Australia’s National Basketball League.

After struggling to get their bearings going, the Sixers managed to create a slim chance for themselves in the playoffs and improved to 12-14 in the standings. 

The Filipino import delivered decent numbers despite getting into foul trouble, finishing with 12 points on a 4-of-5 shooting including two rebounds in 12 minutes and 49 seconds of play. 

Meanwhile, Antonius Cleveland got all up in his arms after a 27-point performance on top of seven rebounds, three assists and two steals while Robert Franks was likewise solid with 20 points, nine boards and five assists. 

Despite running on low-morale with their five-game losing streak in hands, Adelaide kept itself within sight of Cairns at the half, 53-50. 

Former Golden State Warrior Ian Clark sealed the deal for Adelaide with a huge basket.