Cotton Rediscovers His Groove as 36ers Bounce Back Over Phoenix

Bryce Cotton made sure Adelaide’s stumble against Sydney was only a blip, erupting for 28 points to lead the 36ers to a commanding 88–71 win over South East Melbourne Phoenix at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

The five-time MVP was back to his brilliant best, burying early threes, slicing through defenders, and igniting a first-half blitz that buried the visitors before halftime. Cotton racked up 23 points by the main break and added six assists in a complete display that reminded everyone why he’s still the league’s most feared scorer.

After being held to just seven points on 3-of-10 shooting in the 24-point loss to Sydney, Cotton came out with intent — hitting a triple on Adelaide’s first possession, then crossing up Nathan Sobey in the corner for a buzzer-beating jumper to close the opening quarter. He finished the term with 15 points as the 36ers stormed ahead 28–16.

From there, it was all Adelaide. A 15–3 run early in the second quarter, capped by Cotton’s steal and layup, blew the margin out to 43–19. By halftime, the 36ers were in total control at 50–27 while the Phoenix misfired badly — shooting 10-of-44 from the field and 1-of-16 from long range.

Isaac Humphries again dominated inside, powering his way to 21 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks in another polished performance. His chemistry with Cotton was clear, the duo combining to carve up South East Melbourne’s defence from the perimeter and paint alike.

Zylan Cheatham was a defensive anchor, finishing with eight points, 14 rebounds, and three assists, while captain DJ Vasiljevic snapped a shooting slump late to knock down a fourth-quarter three that sealed the win.

Adelaide’s suffocating defence held the Phoenix to just 33 per cent shooting overall. Even with a few late lapses once the bench emptied, the 36ers never looked threatened.

For South East Melbourne, it was a night to forget. Jordan Hunter was the lone consistent threat, posting 16 points and seven rebounds. Sobey managed 12 points in his 300th NBL game but shot just 4-of-14, while Angus Glover and Next Star Malique Lewis added 11 apiece. The team’s frustrations boiled over in the second quarter with technicals to John Brown III and the bench as their offence unravelled.

The 36ers were ruthless in transition and far more disciplined after Saturday’s loss. Cotton’s leadership was palpable — every possession purposeful, every shot made under control.

Now 4–1 on the season, Adelaide looks back in rhythm as they prepare to travel north for a Saturday clash with the Cairns Taipans. South East Melbourne, sitting at 2–2, will aim to regroup quickly at home against the defending champion Illawarra Hawks in a finals rematch.

Final score: Adelaide 36ers 88 defeated South East Melbourne Phoenix 71.