DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Do-or-die Game 2 for the Phoenix against 36ers

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX vs ADELAIDE 36ERS
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Saturday, March 14 at 5:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR GAME 2

Game 1 of the Semi-Finals between the Phoenix and 36ers was finals basketball at its best. The game was fast-paced, with both sides trading baskets to keep the contest tight before the 36ers secured the win on their home court.

The Phoenix started quickly, racing out to a 6–0 lead before the 36ers found their rhythm after a three-week break between games, led by league MVP Bryce Cotton.

Phoenix MVP Nathan Sobey led his side with a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Sixth Man of the Year Angus Glover shot 4/6 from three-point range to finish with 14 points. Cotton led all scorers with 42 points in Adelaide’s seven-point win.

Josh King’s side will be looking to bounce back on Saturday in front of the Phoenix faithful to level the Semi-Final series at 1–1 and force a deciding Game 3.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will go in with a full squad.

36ers

The 36ers will go in unchanged.

KEEP AN EYE ON

John Brown III rises

Defensive Player of the Year John Brown III was held quiet in the first half of Game 1, recording his first points and rebounds in the third quarter.

Brown III helped keep the Phoenix in the contest with five offensive rebounds in the second half, keeping the side within reach. After a slight slip in the final seconds of the game, the defender looks set to be ready for Game 2 and will be pivotal defensively if the Phoenix are to secure the win.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head – Semi-Finals
Phoenix 0-1 36ers

Last time out – Game 1, NBL26
Phoenix 97-104 36ers

Phoenix
Sobey 23p
Hunter 14p
Glover 14p

36ers
Cotton 42p
Vasiljevic 17p
Rakocevic 14p

GAME DAY HUB

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FINALS HUB

For all the latest updates throughout our finals campaign, visit the Phoenix Finals Hub — your go-to destination for everything Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Finals.