DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Relight their Season as they take on the Hawks at the Fire Pit

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (2-5) 9th vs ILLAWARRA HAWKS (5-2) 1st
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Saturday, October 26 at 5:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN via Kayo

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE; CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR SEATS!

South East Melbourne Phoenix are returning home from New Zealand with the win, making it two wins in a row to turn their season around after a 0-5 start.

Interim head coach Sam Mackinnon has upped the intensity and defence in training, which is translating to the court. Incoming new head coach Josh King watched from Melbourne as he saw what his new side was capable of in the huge win.

For the first time, the whole team hit the court in the 26-point win over the Breakers, including Majok Majok, who had his first minutes in Phoenix colours and points.

The Phoenix comes home to face the ladder leader’s Illawarra Hawks, who are coming off a disappointing loss to Melbourne United. The Hawks will be without import point guard and ex-Phoenix player Trey Kell, who got injured in the loss to United. He is currently averaging 16.6 points.

In their third home game for the season, the Phoenix hopes to continue their winning streak in front of the Phoenix faithful late Saturday afternoon.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will be without import point guard Derrick Walton Jr as he recovers from a grade-one hamstring strain.

Hawks

The Hawks will be without Trey Kell and will be replaced by Kobe McDowell-White.

KEEP AN EYE ON

The energy of Ben 10

Having previously limited court minutes and the injury to import point guard Derrick Walton Jr, fan favourite Ben Ayre is the spark Phoenix needs to get the energy going on the court. An even spread of minutes was given to the guards of Owen Foxwell, who started Angus Glover with 13 points off the bench and a dunk and Ayre; this trio is dangerous no matter who is on the court. But it was Ayre who brought the dagger to Breaker’s hearts, shooting beyond the arc at the end of the third and beginning of the fourth, that took the Phoenix home.

Ending the third & starting the fourth from deep for Ben 🔟👌

📺 ESPN via Kayo pic.twitter.com/WNQJ7R8WWK

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) October 24, 2024

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 10-8 Hawks

Last time out – Rd14, NBL24
Phoenix 78-116 Hawks

Phoenix
Creek 24p
Stattmann 11p
Ayre 10p

Hawks
Froling 20p
Robinson 19p
Clark 16p

GAME DAY HUB

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