NBL

Adelaide 36ers fall to Illawarra Hawks with Kai Sotto still out due to knee soreness

Adelaide 36ers, Kai Sotto's team in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL), dropped their second game of the season against the Illawarra Hawks, 81-71, on Sunday.

After leading by just five points at the end of the first half, 40-35, the Hawks mounted a 26-15 run against the 36ers to widen their lead at the end of the third period, 66-50. It was enough cushion for the Hawks to take the win despite Adelaide's efforts in the final period.

Duop Reath led the Hawks with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Justinian Jessup had 17 points. Tyler Harvey and Xavier Rathan-Mayes chipped in 15 each for the Illawarra win.

Cameron Bairstow had 15 markers and nine boards for the Adelaide loss. Isaac Humphries had 13 points, while Mitch Mccarron and Daniel Johnson added 12 points each.

Sotto did not play in the match due to knee soreness.

Adelaide will try to get their first win of the season against the Tasmania Jackjumpers on Thursday.

—JMB, GMA News