The Adelaide 36ers have delivered a statement performance that underscores their championship credentials. In a match that tested every fibre of their resolve, the ladder-leading side secured a 36ers dramatic overtime victory against second-placed Melbourne United. The triumph came despite losing superstar Bryce Cotton to foul trouble for the first time in his NBL career.
   
Coach Mike Wells praised his team’s extraordinary resilience following the nail-biting contest at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Friday night, 13 Dec 2025. The Adelaide 36ers results now stand at an impressive 14-3 record, further cementing their stranglehold on top spot in what has been a dominant season.
Cotton’s Historic Foul-Out Couldn’t Stop the SixersÂ
Cotton scored Adelaide’s first seven points in overtime before sensationally fouling out with three minutes remaining. This marked the first time in his entire NBL career that the superstar guard had been dismissed for foul trouble. The moment sent shockwaves through the Adelaide Entertainment Centre crowd, who watched their talisman exit at the most crucial juncture.
Despite this setback, the 36ers demonstrated the depth and character that has defined their season. Wells couldn’t hide his admiration for how his squad responded. The coach’s post-match comments revealed frustration with officiating but immense pride in his players’ collective determination to secure the Adelaide 36ers results that keep them atop the ladder.
Sixers Overcome 18-Point Collapse and Multiple EjectionsÂ
Adelaide had commanded an 18-point advantage before Melbourne United mounted a stirring final-term comeback. Chris Goulding spearheaded United’s charge, eventually forcing the contest into overtime. The Australian basketball news headlines captured the drama of a match that swung wildly between both sides throughout the closing stages.
The 36ers’ challenges multiplied beyond Cotton’s ejection. Isaac Humphries fouled out in the fourth quarter, whilst Nick Rakocevic received his marching orders for an elbow that caught Finn Delany high. Zylan Cheatham navigated much of the final period on four fouls before also fouling out with under 10 seconds remaining in overtime.
Wells Hails ‘Amazing’ Group CharacterÂ
“It’s part of our journey, we found a way to win the game, and that’s what we’ve been doing all season long,” Wells declared. His post-match analysis highlighted how the 36ers dramatic overtime victory represented more than just two competition points. It demonstrated their ability to absorb pressure from a quality championship contender and still emerge victorious.
Wells emphasised the significance of his team’s response after surrendering the lead. “Not only did we lose the lead, they also went ahead, and then we got our feet under us,” he explained. The coach marvelled at how his depleted roster managed the final three minutes of overtime without Cotton, their offensive catalyst throughout the campaign.
The mentor’s frustration with officiating was evident when discussing Cotton’s dismissal. “Bryce fouled out for the first time in his career. I’m just going to let that one sink in for a minute,” Wells stated. His pointed comments suggested dissatisfaction with how the superstar was refereed during the crucial moments.
Tactical Flexibility Proves DecisiveÂ
With all his big men either fouled or ejected out, Wells was forced to deploy small-ball line-ups during the decisive moments. The tactical adjustment worked perfectly, showcasing Adelaide’s versatility. “I can play big, I can play small, I can do a lot of different line-ups,” the coach noted with satisfaction.
This adaptability has become a hallmark of the 36ers dramatic overtime victory and their season overall. Wells praised his players’ coachability and willingness to execute whatever system the moment demands. The Australian basketball news circuit has taken notice of Adelaide’s championship qualities, with analysts highlighting their mental toughness.
Role Player Steps Up in Crunch TimeÂ
Zylan Cheatham deserves special mention for his courageous performance. Playing extended minutes on four fouls, he delivered pivotal contributions during regulation and overtime. His willingness to stay aggressive despite foul trouble epitomised the team-first mentality Wells has cultivated.
The forward’s eventual fifth foul came with just seconds remaining in overtime, by which time Adelaide had secured the victory. Cheatham’s performance exemplified how role players stepped up when stars departed, a quality that separates genuine contenders from pretenders.
Learning to Win in Multiple WaysÂ
Wells identified an important aspect of his team’s development. “We’re having to learn how to win in real time. We got to learn how to win a whole bunch of different ways,” he explained. The 36ers dramatic overtime victory represents another chapter in their championship education.
This versatility gives Adelaide multiple paths to victory throughout the season. Whether dominating with full-strength line-ups or grinding out wins with depleted rosters, the Sixers have demonstrated they can succeed regardless of circumstances. Such adaptability proves invaluable during the gruelling NBL campaign.
What This Victory Means for the SeasonÂ
The win tightens Adelaide’s grip on top spot with a 14-3 record. Melbourne United, sitting second, witnessed firsthand the mental toughness required to dislodge the Sixers from their perch. The Australian basketball news analysts suggest this result could prove psychologically significant come finals time.
Adelaide now carries the confidence of knowing they can overcome adversity against elite opponents. They’ve proven capable of winning without their best player, without their big men, and after surrendering commanding leads. These experiences forge the championship DNA that separates winners from runners-up.
FAQs
Q1: What was the final score of the Adelaide 36ers versus Melbourne United match?
The article does not specify the exact final score. However, Adelaide won in overtime on 13 Dec 2025.
Q2: Why did Bryce Cotton foul out?
Cotton fouled out with three minutes remaining in overtime. This marked the first time in his entire NBL career that he had been dismissed for foul trouble.
Q3: How many Adelaide players fouled out during the match?
Three Adelaide players fouled out: Bryce Cotton and Zylan Cheatham in overtime, and Isaac Humphries in the fourth quarter.
Q4: What is Adelaide’s current NBL record?
The Adelaide 36ers results show a 14-3 record, maintaining their position atop the NBL ladder.
