UPDATE: Legendary Bryce Cotton has made history by breaking the Adelaide 36ers’ long-standing NBL scoring record, netting an incredible 53 points to lead his team to a 91-86 victory over the Cairns Taipans at the Cairns Convention Centre on Saturday. This remarkable achievement marks Cotton’s second career half-century and the first in 36ers history, eclipsing the previous record of 48 points set by the late Darryl Pearce in 1988.
Cotton’s quarter-by-quarter scoring breakdown was a testament to his dominance: 11 points in the first, 12 in the second, 8 in the third, and a staggering 22 points in the final quarter. “I was so tired but I wanted to win,” Cotton expressed after the game. He also recorded 5 assists and went a perfect 16-of-16 from the free-throw line, showcasing his clutch performance.
The 36ers, now at 5-1 for the season, relied heavily on Cotton’s prowess, especially in the face of a determined Taipans squad missing their star player Jack McVeigh due to injury. The Taipans fought valiantly, with Andrew Andrews contributing 23 points and Admiral Schofield adding 18 points.
The game was tightly contested, with Cairns closing the gap significantly in the second half. The first quarter ended with a buzzer-beater from Marcus Lee, leaving Adelaide ahead by just 19-17. Cotton’s explosive performance gave the 36ers a comfortable lead of 44-36 at halftime. However, the Taipans rallied, trimming the deficit to just one point with over a minute left, thanks to Schofield’s fifth three-pointer.
In a dramatic finish, the Taipans attempted to pull off an upset, but Cotton’s brilliance proved overwhelming. “We made some winning plays when we needed it most,” Cotton noted, underscoring the team’s resilience under pressure. The 36ers are set to continue their campaign with high hopes following this historic win.
This significant milestone not only highlights Cotton’s individual talent but also cements his legacy in Australian basketball. Fans and analysts alike are now eager to see how Cotton and the 36ers will perform in their upcoming matches. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!
