36ers Hold Off Undermanned Phoenix

In their third game in six days and sixth in 17 days, an undermanned Phoenix pushed Adelaide to the final buzzer. 

The Phoenix played a double overtime game in Gippsland on Sunday, and then a schedule change saw them face the Bullets in Brisbane on Wednesday before the Christmas Eve clash in Adelaide.

Despite the heavy game and travel schedule, the Phoenix came out of the blocks locked in. Led by co-captain Kyle Adnam, they produced a 32-point first quarter. 

Kyle Adnam stayed hot for the first half, finishing with 16 first-half points, but a poor second quarter, where the team scored just 15 points, hurt the Phoenix.  

At halftime, the score was 49-47 in the 36ers favour. 

Phoenix went on an 8-0 run midway through the third after Adelaide extended their lead, closing to within four.

Fatigue hit Phoenix in the final quarter as the 36ers built a 14-point lead.

The Phoenix made a late run and closed again to within four points before the 36ers took the win by six.

The Phoenix now have a well-deserved eight-day break before meeting Tasmania JackJumpers on New Year’s Day.

The Result:

South East Melbourne Phoenix 88 - 94 Adelaide 36ers

The Numbers

Phoenix
Creek: 24 points, five rebounds
Adnam: 18 points
Smith-Milner: 14 points

36ers
Franks: 20 points, eight rebounds

The Turning Point

Fourth Quarter

A 15-point second quarter hurt the Phoenix; they had built a 10-point lead but let Adelaide back into the game to enter the main break trailing by two points. 

The Play of the Game

Foxwell Defensive Sequence

In the final quarter, when the Phoenix looked out on their legs, a steal on the inbounds pass from Foxwell gave Creek a three and then, at the other end, Foxwell drew an offensive charge. It was inspirational stuff from the Phoenix DP.

Player of the Game

Tohi Smith-Milner

The absence of Williams was always going to leave a hole in the middle, but Smith-Milner played one of his best games for the Phoenix, finishing with 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal.

From the Coach

Simon Mitchell

“There will be positives to take from it for sure but we had expectations coming into this game to win the ball game and it’s just not me, it’s shared by the whole team. I’m disappointed in the result, I’m not necessarily disappointed in the players application.”

From the Player

Trey Kell

“I need to play better with so many guys out to have a chance especially in that second half I was pretty bad. I need to just stay confident and keep shooting. I am capable to have those good games on the road.”

Very limited tickets still remain for our three home game at SBC in January. CLICK HERE to secure your seat.

Phoenix Media (24/12/22)