Phoenix Triumphs Over Wildcats to Advance
The South East Melbourne Phoenix delivered a commanding performance against the Perth Wildcats, winning their Seeding Qualifier 111-94. This victory allows the Phoenix to advance to the NBL Playoffs.
Phoenix Triumphs Over Wildcats to Advance
On a pivotal night at John Cain Arena, the Phoenix showcased their signature full-court pressure. This strategy frustrated the Wildcats, particularly as they struggled without a recognized point guard. The Phoenix capitalized, creating 17 turnovers and dominating the offensive boards with 17 rebounds to Perth’s eight.
Key Game Statistics
- Final Score: Phoenix 111, Wildcats 94
- Turnovers: Wildcats 17, Phoenix 6
- Offensive Rebounds: Phoenix 17, Wildcats 8
- Phoenix Field Goal Attempts: 28 more than Wildcats
- Lead: Phoenix led by as much as 23 points
Nathan Sobey was instrumental, scoring 24 points and recording seven assists. Other notable contributions included:
- Owen Foxwell: 18 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 steals
- Ian Clark: 16 points, 2 assists (left the game with an injury)
- Angus Glover: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
- John Brown III: 6 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals
The Wildcats’ young backcourt struggled under pressure. Elijah Pepper managed only seven points with one turnover, while Ben Henshall scored 11 points with four turnovers. Despite this, Kristian Doolittle stood out, contributing 22 points but also had five turnovers. Additionally, Dylan Windler added 13 points and seven assists, and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr reached 11 points in just 17 minutes due to foul trouble.
The Wildcats began strong with three-point shots, but the Phoenix quickly regained control. By the end of the first quarter, South East Melbourne led 35-29, driven primarily by improved shot attempts and crafty defense.
Game Flow
As the game progressed, the Phoenix maintained their momentum. They closed the first half on a 10-2 run, ending with a comfortable 64-47 lead. They continued to dominate in the third quarter, expanding their advantage to 22 points.
Perth attempted a comeback in the final quarter with a 10-2 start, but the Phoenix responded effectively to secure the victory. This win marks a significant step for the Phoenix as they prepare for their upcoming Playoffs series against the second-ranked Adelaide 36ers.
The Wildcats will have another shot at advancing when they host a Play-In Game against the Sydney Kings on Saturday night.
