36ers Overpower Undermanned Phoenix in Pre-Season Game

With no Alan Williams, Matt Kenyon, Craig Moller and with Reuben Te Rangi still on FIBA duties, the Phoenix were tested against a near full-strength Adelaide outfit that proved too strong.

Former teammates turned foes on the court as former Phoenix import Trey Kell III, now at Adelaide, suited up against his former team.

Phoenix captain Mitch Creek returned for his first official hit out for the pre-season, hitting the game opening shot against 36er’s Next Star Trentyn Flowers, and continues to build towards the September 28 NBL season opener finishing with 12 points.

Will Cummings also took part in his first pre-season game, with the Phoenix guard showing flashes of what he can produce during the season regular as he gains crucial minutes on court with his new teammates. He worked his way into the game after a slow start, before finding his feet and ending the night with 12 points.

The game started with a seesawing first quarter, with a margin of five points at the first break. The 36ers came out of the blocks in the second, shooting the ball cleaner while Phoenix missed crucial opportunities.

At the main break, Phoenix trailed by 26 points, before starting the third quarter with more intensity at the defensive end.

The side were without Gary Browne for the rest of the match, who fell ill during the game and played just 8 minutes overall.

A double teaming defensive effort from Phoenix saw their best play of the game, resulting in a 36ers turnover and ending in a Gorjok Gak dunk.

Phoenix won the third quarter shooting 19-16, before 36ers iced the game in the last (101-65).

Phoenix will fly back to Melbourne tomorrow morning and prepare for their final pre-season game next Saturday, September 9 against Melbourne United at Casey Basketball Stadium, before travelling to the Gold Coast for the NBL Blitz.

The Stats

Mitch Creek: 12pts/3r/1a/1stl

Will Cummings: 12pts/1r/1a

Gorjok Gak: 11pts/3r/1a/1stl

Rhys Vague: 10pts/5r/1a/1stl

Kody Stattmann: 8pts/2r/2stl

Ben Ayre: 6pts/3r/1a/1stl

Luke Rosendale: 4pts/5r/1a/1stl

Owen Foxwell: 2pts/3a

Gary Browne: 1r/1a/1stl

Anzac Rissetto: 1r/1stl

Ngor Nai: 1r

Kingsley Box: 1r

Phoenix's NBL24 home opener in round 1 is on OCtober 1 against the Perth Wildcats. CLICK HERE to secure your tickets!