DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix fired up for first final against Perth

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX vs PERTH WILDCATS
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Wednesday, March 4 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE GAME!

After a week’s rest for the FIBA International break, the Phoenix are raring to go after finishing third in the regular season.

Josh King’s side take on fourth-placed Perth in the Seeding Qualifier, with the winner advancing to the Semi-Finals to face the Adelaide 36ers in a best-of-three series. The loser will play the winner of the Play-In Qualifier between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers on Saturday.

During the regular season, the Phoenix and Wildcats split their four meetings, with each team winning two. Both sides will be looking to take the early finals advantage on Wednesday night.

The last time the two sides met, Perth overcame a fast start from the Phoenix. Co-captain Nathan Sobey scored a game-high 28 points, while Defensive Player of the Year John Brown III recorded a double-double on his birthday, but the Wildcats ultimately claimed an eight-point victory.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Phoenix will go in with a full squad into Wednesday’s game.

Wildcats

David Okwera will miss the final due to plantar fasciitis.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Defence turned UP!

The Phoenix finished the season ranked #1 in offence but will be looking to reassert their defensive identity under Josh King. Defence has been a major focus during the FIBA break, and the team aims to be lethal at both ends of the court in the finals as they make their push towards their maiden championship.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head – NBL26
Phoenix 2-2 Wildcats

Last time out – Rd19, NBL26
Phoenix 93-101 Wildcats

Phoenix
Sobey 28p
Brown III 20p
Iwundu 11p

Wildcats
Windler 23p
Pepper 22p
Lual-Acuil Jr 18p

GAME DAY HUB

Coming to the game on Wednesday? CLICK HERE or the image below for all your game day information.

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.