The Adelaide 36ers solidified their chances in the NBL Ignite Cup Final with a decisive 93-73 victory over the Cairns Taipans at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Wednesday. This win was highlighted by an impressive performance from Bryce Cotton, who contributed 22 points and dished out 11 assists, leading his team to triumph across all four quarters.
With this victory, the 36ers have earned a total of 15 points in the tournament, placing them securely in second place on the Ignite Cup ladder, just behind the New Zealand team, who currently lead with 18 points. The 36ers are set to play their final game of the tournament on January 28 against the Brisbane Bullets at the Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre.
The loss was disappointing for the Cairns Taipans, who remain without any points after two matches, with upcoming games against South East Melbourne and United still on the horizon. The Ignite Cup features a total of seven remaining games, and while the Taipans have struggled, the Phoenix still has three matches left to play, and every other team, except for the Kings, will compete at least once.
Fans are eager for the Ignite Cup Final, which is scheduled to take place at the Gold Coast Entertainment Centre on February 22. The stakes are high, as the champion will walk away with a whopping $300,000, while the runner-up will take home $100,000, making it the largest prize pool in NBL history. This remarkable incentive adds excitement and pressure as the tournament progresses, ensuring that fans will be treated to thrilling matches in the weeks to come.