DESPITE heading into the NBL Round 15 contest with a 0-2 record against the Sydney Kings and trailing by three points at the final change after being jumped in the opening term, Adelaide 36ers steadied to notch up their 11th win in 12 games and go further clear in pole position on the ladder.

Adelaide 36ers (85) def. Sydney Kings (79)

The two in-form teams of the competition clashed at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Friday night in front of 10,000 people with the 36ers having won 10 of their past 11 matches, and the only blemish coming against a Kings’ outfit that had won its past half dozen games. That looked to stretch to seven early on as the Kings – who had accounted for half of Adelaide’s four losses this season – raced out to a seven-point lead at quarter time.

The Kings lead 26-19 before the 36ers began the road back, cutting it to six at half-time and then back to a measly three in the final term. A really strong finishing team of late, the 36ers put the foot down in the fourth quarter which proved to be the highest scoring one of the match. With 49 points put on the board, it was the home side that roared home with a wet sail to win, 85-79.

The Kings held their own across the board and realistically could have won, putting up 76 shots to 64, while also winning the rebound count (43-38), assist count (21-18) and having the same amount of turnovers (11 each) as the 36ers. In the end, Adelaide’s ability to convert from range – running at 46.2 per cent compared to the Kings’ 25 per cent – was the difference.

It was another remarkable outing from Bryce Cotton who seems destined for a sixth MVP. The former Wildcat racked up a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists, as well as five rebounds. He was not quite as clinical from the field – hitting just six of 19 (31.2 per cent) but Flynn Cameron was the surprise packet, nailing 25 points – nine of 10 from the field – including a ridiculous six of seven from beyond the arc in a standout performance with four assists and two steals.

Isaac Humphries recored 15 points and six rebound, as Zylan Cheatham (eight points, 13 rebounds and three blocks) was a menace up the defensive end, denying the visitors time and time again. Dejan Vasiljevic off the bench finished with 13 points, including three triples in 22 minutes.

For the Kings, Cotton’s main MVP rival Kendric Davis racked up 26 points, but like Cotton was a little wayward with his shooting, only making one of nine from long-range and 10 of 24 overall. He also managed six assists and five rebounds on the night. The ever green Matthew Dellavedova (15 points, seven rebounds and four assists) was great, while Xavier Cooks amassed a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds, as well as four assists, one steal and one block.

Adelaide 36ers play this afternoon at Brisbane Entertainment Centre against the Bullets, while Sydney Kings head to Qudos Bank Arena from 7:30pm to face off against the South East Melbourne Phoenix in another blockbuster contest.