DREWITT'S BULBS MATCH REPORT: Phoenix Slump to 0-5 Start After Last Gasp Loss

Both of these sides were looking for their first win of the season with eyes on Nathan Sobey, as he faced his former side for the first time.

The Phoenix fans were concerned when they fell into a 9-4 deficit early but a flurry of defensive stops and buckets would equate to a 14-0 run for the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Matt Hurt (24 points, six rebounds) led the charge, six early points and a run of defensive efforts that would have his coach lauding the former Blue Devil.

Next Star Malique Lewis (eight points, four rebounds) was cool and confident in his first start for the Phoenix, recruiters no doubt watching on as he faced NBA25 draft hopeful Rocco Zikarsky.

Lewis would put in five early points forming a dynamic duo in the front court alongside Hurt and showing off some crafty handles to impress the crowd.

Angus Glover (five points, two steals) and Matt Kenyon (five points, three rebounds) played their role all night spacing and pacing their way up and down the court 

The second half started shakily with the Bullets going on a 6-0 run to kick things off, taking back the lead and keeping the Phoenix at arm’s length.

Owen Foxwell had his moment to help reduce the margin working the Pick and roll to perfection before finding Jordi Hunter in the pocket for the finish.

The raucous John Cain Arena crowd were thrilled to the last second, with Lewis forcing an out of bounds turnover to give Walton Jr one last shot to send the game into overtime.

But he wasn’t able to clear Josh Bannan, through heavy contact, and the resulting miss would resign the Phoenix to a fifth straight loss on the season.

FULL TIME STATS

Hurt: 24p/6r/1a/2stls 
Walton Jr: 19p/1r/5a/1stl
Wieskamp: 10p/3r/1blk
Lewis: 8p/4r/1a
Hunter: 7p/7r/1a/1stl
Kenyon: 5p/3r
Glover: 5p/2r/1a/2stls
Sobey: 5p/3r/3a/2stls
Foxwell: 2p/1r/1a

Tickets available for the next home game against the Illawarra Hawks on October 26.