DREWITT'S BULBS MATCH REPORT: Phoenix Claim Second Win Across the Ditch

A ferocious Phoenix outfit toppled the Breakers in Christchurch 88-62 on the back of an incredible defensive effort over the Tasman Sea.

The Phoenix headed across the ditch for the second time this Hungry Jack’s NBL25 season, and it was the second game with interim head coach Sam Mackinnon at the helm, Owen Foxwell taking the injured Derrick Walton Jr’s starting spot.

The visitors were solid on both ends of the floor early, defensively strong while drawing contact and getting to the line 10 times in the opening quarter, posting a season high 27-points to open proceedings.

Angus Glover (13 points) came off the bench and deposited two threes from as many attempts, pushing the lead out to as much as 15 points.

The second term saw even more focus on stopping the Breakers, seven turnovers for New Zealand born out of a dogged-Phoenix line-up that consistently pressured the ball carrier and forced shot-clock violations.

The Breakers managed just 17 points in the first, and 18 in the second, limited to 24 shots and shooting 50 per cent from the field.

Uncharacteristically this season, the Phoenix started the second half with six turnovers - the Breakers getting within five points of the lead.

But South East Melbourne shifted their play through Matt Hurt (19 points, seven rebounds), and the league’s leading scorer didn’t disappoint, helping his side to a 14-point buffer at the final break.

Ben Ayre (13 points, two assists) was deployed for some scoring prowess and the fiery guard didn’t disappoint, back-to-back threes either side of the break topped by a pump fake and and-one finish helping him to his first points of the campaign.

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

The Breakers bigs were held well, the Phoenix finding a break 28-18 in the paint contributing to the final gap.

Co-captain Jordi Hunter (eight points, nine rebounds) continued his strong form against Sam Mennenga and Freddie Gillespie.

The final margin of 26 handing New Zealand their biggest loss of the season, with the Phoenix turning their attention to the Illawarra Hawks at home on Saturday.

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FULL TIME STATS

Hurt: 19p/7r/1blk
Ayre: 13p/2a
Glover: 13p
Sobey: 12p/4r/7a/1stl
Wieskamp: 11p/8r/1blk
Hunter: 9p/8r/1stl
Lewis: 6p/3r/3a
Rosendale: 3p/1a
Majok: 2p
Foxwell: 2r/3a
Vodanovich: 5r/3a
Kenyon: 4r

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