DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix look to continue winning streak in final SBC game

The Phoenix take on the Cairns Taipans in their final game at the Heartland, State Basketball Centre, for NBL26 on Saturday night.

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX(18-8) 2nd vs CAIRNS TAIPANS (7-19) 9th
Where: State Basketball Centre, Wantirna South
When: Saturday, January 24 at 5:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

The Phoenix held on for a win over the New Zealand Breakers on Wednesday night, clinching a finals spot for NBL26.

With a finals position secured,Josh King’s side will be looking to further cement a top-two finish, with every remaining game crucial to avoid slipping back into the pack.

In Wednesday night’s win, thePhoenix scored an NBL-record 74 points in the first half, led by imports Wes Iwundu—who knocked down four threes in the opening quarter—and Ian Clark, who finished with a team-high 24 points.

The Cairns Taipans are coming off a heavy 37-point loss to the Perth Wildcats and will be eager to respond when they travel to Wantirna South. Despite the defeat, Taipans captain JackMcVeigh led the way with 34 points.

The last time the two sides met was on New Year’s Eve, where the Phoenix recovered from a slow start to secure the win, led by a starting five in which all players recorded double figures.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix go into Saturday’s game unchanged.

Taipans

The Taipans will be without Sam Waardenburg who sustained an ankle injury. They will also be without Reyne Smith (foot).

KEEP AN EYE ON

The groove of IC

Since signing with South East Melbourne in December, Ian Clark has shown exactly why he was brought to theHeartland. Across his past two games, he has scored 41 points while shooting 62% from the field, adding another clutch scoring option to the Phoenix offence—alongside Angus Glover’s spark off the bench.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 14-8 Taipans

Last time out – Rd15, NBL26
Phoenix 111-96 Taipans

Phoenix
Sobey 31p
Hunter 19p
Foxwell 17p

Taipans
McVeigh 26p
Waardenburg 22p
Andrews 17p

GAME DAY HUB

Coming to the game on Saturday?Please note State Basketball Centre will be busy due to the Eltham/DandenongTournament, we suggest arriving early to the game to give enough time for parking with doors open at 4pm. CLICK HERE or the image for our up-to-date game day information.

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