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Cotton, DJ's one-two punch KOs Phoenix in Game 3
Dejan Vasiljevic of the 36ers reacts during game three in the NBL Playoff Series between Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on March 17, 2026 in Adelaide, Australia. Photo: Sarah Reed/Getty Images
Highlights
Dejan Vasiljevic’s starting return sparks Adelaide into NBL Championship Series with Game 3 win.
Adelaide 36ers shooter Dejan Vasiljevic was inserted back into the starting line and was a one-two punch knock out of the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Game 3 of the NBL26 Semi-Finals on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in Adelaide.
The 36ers move on to face the Sydney Kings in the five-game NBL Championship Series on Saturday.
“I mean, this is truly special," Cotton said.
"We’ve been through so much throughout this season. We act like a family on and off the court, honestly, and it feels great — I can’t lie.
"It feels great. This is my dog right here too, behind me. Hey Z — all day.”
“There’s so much emotion in this group at the moment. There’s so much work that goes on behind the scenes that nobody knows about. We do a good job blocking out the noise and just controlling what we can control.
"The things we can’t — it’s out of sight, out of mind.”
Adelaide 36ers 108 def. South East Melbourne Phoenix 96 (Final)
Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Adelaide
Quarter Scores: 28–17, 31–28, 24–19, 25–32
Largest Lead: Adelaide by 21
Time in Lead: Adelaide 38:48
Adelaide delivered a commanding four-quarter performance to defeat South East Melbourne 108–96 on Tuesday night, controlling tempo early and maintaining scoreboard pressure throughout.
Bryce Cotton led the offensive charge with 38 points, seven assists and six rebounds, setting the tone in transition and late-clock situations. Dejan Vasiljevic provided elite perimeter support, knocking down six threes on the way to 27 points, while Isaac Humphries was highly efficient inside with 13 points on five-of-six shooting.
Zylan Cheatham anchored the glass with 13 rebounds and five assists, helping Adelaide generate extra possessions and sustain their first-half momentum. The 36ers shot 56.9% from the field and assisted on 24 baskets, reflecting their ball movement and interior-perimeter balance.
South East Melbourne stayed within reach behind Ian Clark’s 32 points on 13-of-18 shooting, including five triples. Nathan Sobey added 17 points and eight assists, but the Phoenix struggled to convert consistently, shooting 43% overall and 29.7% from three.
Adelaide’s ability to build a double-digit margin before halftime proved decisive, with the Phoenix unable to close the gap despite winning the final quarter 32–25.
By the Numbers
- FG%: Adelaide 56.9% │ Phoenix 43.0%
- 3PT: Both teams 11 made threes — Adelaide 40.7% │ Phoenix 29.7%
- FT Attempts: Adelaide +18 differential (31–13)
- Rebounds: Adelaide +21 (52–31)
- Assists: Adelaide 24 │ Phoenix 23
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