After a week break in NBL action, the NBL returned for round 11 on Wednesday. As the season is now heading into the second half of the year, the competition is intensifying.

This week had Melbourne United fell to the ladder after a dominant start to the season, while star Bryce Cotton returned to Perth in a wild comeback game.

Kicking the round off on Wednesday with the weekly Ignite cup game as the New Zealand Breakers took down the Sydney Kings by five points. Star guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright led the team with 24 points, while Karim Lopez added 18 points, six rebounds and four assists.

The Illawarra Hawks hosted the South East Melbourne Phoenix in a blockbuster Thursday night game. As the Hawks push for a playoff spot, they were able to take down the Phoenix in a close 113-109 victory.

Quentin Peterson had one of the best games of the season so far as he scored 42 points off the bench for the Hawks. JaVale McGee was also a star, as he had 29 points and 13 rebounds.

The Perth Wildcats took down Melbourne United with a 12-point victory for the second game on Thursday Night. Perth's scoring was very well balanced as they had five guys score double figures. Kristian Dolittle did everything as he scored 12 points to go with his nine rebounds and seven assists.

On Friday Night, there was only one game on the night, which was a complete domination for the Adelaide 36ers. They took down the Brisbane Bullets with a 25-point victory.

Bryce Cotton led the way with 20 points and six assists, while Zylan Cheatham also added 20 points with his six rebounds and four assists.

Saturday Night action had the New Zealand Breakers take on the Tasmanian JackJumpers for their second game of the round. The Breakers secured their second win of the week with a 13-point victory.

All starters for the Breakers scored 15 or more points in the game. Izaiah Brockington led with his 22 points while Parker Jackson-Cartwright had a solid double-double with 16 points and 12 assists.

The second game of action on Saturday saw Cairns head over to Illawarra and take down the Hawks in a big 17-point victory. Andrew Andrews led the way for Cairns with 27 points, while Kyrin Galloway had a monster game with 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Sunday had yet another doubleheader, beginning with throwdown 31 as the Phoenix handed United their second straight loss with a dominant 111-86 victory.

Phoenix had six players in double figures, with star guard Nathan Sobey leading the way as he poured in 25 points.

Round 11 ended in a bang with Bryce Cotton's first game back in Perth since leaving, as he helped the Adelaide 36ers complete a miraculous comeback to take down the Wildcats in a one-point game.

Isaac Humphries was big time with 28 points and three blocks. Cotton, in his return game, had 21 points and 12 assists, while Zylan Cheatham added 20 points and eight assists.

The 36ers have now taken top spot from Melbourne United on the ladder, with the Phoenix and Wildcats not far behind. Kings, Breakers, JackJumpers and Hawks are still fighting their way up the ladder, trying to separate themselves from the pack and push for a finals berth.

Round 12 will kick off on Wednesday with the South East Melbourne Phoenix taking on the JackJumpers in the Ignite Cup game.