36ers downed in first Perth clash

The Adelaide 36ers have commenced their pre-season with a 98-87 loss to the Perth Wildcats in Eaton, Western Australia.

Perth took control of the game in the third quarter after Adelaide dominated proceedings in the second.

The Wildcats were on top of the contest early and led by as much as nine midway through the first.

The 36ers pressed the Wildcats hard and eventually clawed their way back into the contest, with recruit Antonius Cleveland in fine form.

Adelaide trailed by six at quarter-time but then started to take control.

Towering centre Kai Sotto was slam dunking his way into some good form as Cleveland was on top early.

Cleveland led the way at half-time with 13 points, while Sotto had eight with his six rebounds as the 36ers led by one at the main break.

The Wildcats refused to go away and got out to a 14-3 run to change the momentum.

Again, with Perth looking likely to take the game away from the 36ers, Nick Marshall and Sotto fought for some momentum back.

Sotto was causing havoc with defensive rebounds, but just as they cut the deficit to six, the Wildcats wrestled control back to lead by 12 at the end of the third.

Cleveland was leading for the 36ers with 19 points, while Sotto had 10 points and nine rebounds at the final break.

The Wildcats broke out to a game-high lead of 17 early in the fourth, before veteran Daniel Johnson had a say.

Johnson made two three-point jump shots which was backed up by two free throws from Cleveland and one from Sotto, cutting the deficit to eight.

Marshall’s two successful free throws made it an 11-0 run and the 36ers were back in the contest.

Despite Kyrin Galloway's two-point basket to bring it back to five, the Wildcats steadied to run out winners.

Cleveland was terrific in his first 36ers appearance with 23 points, while Sotto had 11 points and 11 rebounds.