Adelaide 36ers Surge Past Melbourne United to Reclaim NBL Top Spot
Adelaide has silenced the critics and reminded the NBL why they are a powerhouse. The 36ers traveled to Melbourne and handed United an 87-76 defeat at John Cain Arena, reclaiming the top spot in the league and stopping a troubling slide that had seen them lose five of their previous seven games.
From the opening tip-off, Adelaide set the tone. Bryce Cotton, despite being challenged defensively, opened with 10 points in the first quarter, giving the visitors an early edge. Melbourne responded mid-game, with captain Chris Goulding and Jesse Edwards sparking a brief surge, but Nick Rakocevic proved unstoppable. His 20 points and 12 rebounds, combined with clutch three-pointers and a game-changing put-back dunk, gave the 36ers control at halftime and never let go.
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The third quarter was decisive. Adelaide outscored Melbourne 26-14, highlighted by Rakocevic’s two blocks and a stunning three-point play, extending the lead to 67-53. Even as Melbourne attempted a late charge in the fourth, fueled by Milton Doyle and Tyson Walker hitting consecutive threes, the 36ers held their nerve. Adelaide scored 10 of the last 12 points to seal the win, demonstrating resilience and depth under pressure.
Bryce Cotton finished with 17 points and six assists, while Zylan Cheatham contributed 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Flynn Cameron added 13 points and eight assists, helping to keep the momentum firmly with Adelaide. For Melbourne, Goulding top-scored with 18 points despite aggravating a knee injury, with Doyle and Walker also reaching double digits.
This win is more than just a scoreboard result. It stops the 36ers’ recent skid and puts them back in a commanding position heading into the final rounds of the season. With the post-season looming, confidence is everything and Adelaide has shown they can respond to adversity. Melbourne, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly. Sitting fifth on the ladder now, the loss highlights the narrow margins at the top of the NBL, where injuries and momentum swings can make a huge difference.
Looking ahead, the 36ers have two home games remaining before finishing the regular season on the road against the Perth Wildcats, while Melbourne faces three crucial games that could determine their finals positioning. The intensity is only set to rise as both teams fight for playoff advantage.
Stay with us for ongoing coverage, live updates and in-depth analysis as the NBL season heads into its final, electrifying stretch. The battle for the top is far from over.
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