Cotton, Humphries Shine as Sixers Stay Perfect

Bryce Cotton and Isaac Humphries powered the Adelaide 36ers to their best season start in a quarter of a century, guiding the home side to a 98–89 victory over the Tasmania JackJumpers at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Thursday night.

Cotton, the five-time NBL MVP, was at his brilliant best once again, torching Tasmania with 29 points, nine assists and three steals as the 36ers improved to 3–0 for the first time since the 2000–01 season. He was unstoppable early, drawing contact relentlessly and sinking 13 first-half free throws on his way to 19 points before the main break.

Adelaide’s aggression on both ends set the tone. They attempted 27 free throws in the first half compared to just nine for Tasmania, converting that physical dominance into a nine-point lead at half-time and maintaining the same margin at the finish. A sellout crowd of 9,320 roared their approval as the Sixers continued their early-season surge under coach Scott Ninnis.

Humphries was the perfect complement to Cotton’s brilliance. The big man delivered 24 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists, asserting his presence inside against Tasmania’s rugged frontcourt. DJ Vasiljevic chipped in with 13 points and timely long-range shooting, while Flynn Cameron added 12 points, three rebounds and three assists. Zylan Cheatham provided energy and toughness with eight points, nine boards and three assists, including a highlight-reel reverse alley-oop off a Cotton lob in the second quarter.

Tasmania’s effort couldn’t be faulted. After three straight road wins, the JackJumpers ran out of gas late but still pushed the Sixers throughout. Bryce Hamilton led the visitors with 22 points and nine assists on 8-of-14 shooting, while Will Magnay battled bravely with 17 points, six rebounds, three blocks and three steals. Josh Bannan added 14 points, and both Tyger Campbell and TJ Starks contributed eight apiece.

The opening quarter set the tone for a high-energy, physical contest featuring 10 lead changes. Cotton hit all seven of his first-quarter free throws, and Humphries’ buzzer-beating tip-in gave Adelaide a narrow 21–20 edge. Tasmania’s turnovers and fouls proved costly in the second period as Adelaide capitalised, extending their lead behind Cheatham’s spectacular slam.

Ben Ayre’s eight points in 73 seconds sparked a JackJumpers surge in the third quarter, and when Campbell nailed a three, the visitors cut the deficit to one. But Vasiljevic answered immediately from deep to steady the Sixers, who carried a 76–72 advantage into the final term.

Adelaide’s captain struck again early in the fourth, capping a 9–2 run with another triple that pushed the margin into double digits. Hamilton’s back-to-back threes kept Tasmania in touch, but Cotton’s late poise ensured the Sixers remained in control down the stretch.

The victory underscored Adelaide’s balance and maturity — a team blending Cotton’s scoring genius with Humphries’ power and a deep supporting cast that knows its roles. The Sixers now face another test at home on Saturday against the Sydney Kings, where Cotton will go head-to-head with Kendric Davis in what promises to be a marquee matchup.

The JackJumpers, meanwhile, conclude their four-game road trip and finally return to Hobart to face the Kings on Wednesday night as part of the Ignite Cup.

Final score: Adelaide 36ers 98 defeated Tasmania JackJumpers 89.