36ers loss an "all-time choke"

Late in the second quarter, the Adelaide 36ers led by as many as 18 points during their Game 2 Playoff fixture against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

And with one win already in their back pocket, it appeared that the 36ers were well on their way to the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Championship Series.

But a 39-20 third term, powered by 17 points from Nathan Sobey, turned the tide of the fixture, as the hosts at John Cain Arena ran out winners 101-92, to level the series 1-all.

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This second-half fade prompted a harsh assessment from SEN Radio host and 36ers fan, Kane Cornes, on Monday.

“[That was an] all-time choke,” Cornes said on SEN Breakfast.

Cornes also proceeded to call Sobey, after his career-high 41 points, “Sobey Bryant”, was reminiscent of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

These comments follow Cornes’ criticism of the Phoenix earlier in the year, saying he now has “a lot riding on this series”.

“They [Adelaide] smacked them, South East Melbourne are putrid,” Cornes said on SEN in January.

“If anyone is supporting the South East Melbourne Phoenix, they might be one of the worst teams in the country.

“If you’re looking to support the South East Melbourne Phoenix, maybe don’t.”

The do-or-die Game 3 Playoff fixture between Adelaide and South East Melbourne tips off at 7.30pm AEDT on Tuesday, live on ESPN.