DREWITT'S BULBS MATCH REPORT: Phoenix Streak Ended at Hands of Hawks

A determined South East Melbourne outfit took on the top of the table Illawarra Hawks in front of a parochial crowd at John Cain Arena, with Sam Mackinnon coaching his final game before Josh King takes the reigns.

The Phoenix were aggressive early, setting up a wall on the interior and attacking the paint, getting to the line six times in the opening term to take a marginal lead in the opening stages of the game.

Off the bench, Joe Wieskamp had arguably his best game for the Phoenix scoring 16 points with seven rebounds while making his presence felt on the perimeter, the hosts bench outscoring the Hawks 26-18.

WIESY ON AGAIN! 🔥

📺 ESPN via Kayo pic.twitter.com/J4Ythx5PjL

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) October 26, 2024

Nathan Sobey (14 points, four rebounds) continued his strong form for the Phoenix in the second term, adding eight points in a stretch that saw them take a game-high 10 point lead.

However, a lapse in the Phoenix defence and a stagnating offence allowed the away side to go on a 14-0 run to retake the lead before the half, despite two timeouts to try and stem the flow.

The Hawks were matched on the boards by the Phoenix, and despite being arguably the strongest rebounding team in the league, Sam Mackinnon’s side pulled in 10 offensive boards for nine second-chance points.

Matt Hurt continued to prove himself as one of the best players in the league defending the interior playing a hefty amount of minutes at centre while still managing 18 points and nine rebounds.

BLOCK ➡️ DUNK! 🔥

📺 ESPN via Kayo pic.twitter.com/nMH1yxSw09

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) October 26, 2024

Malique Lewis was a standout on the defensive end of the ball in the late stages of the game, taking on the challenge of guarding Will Hickey and Tyler Harvey, while still managing to tally 12 points, six rebounds and three assists.

With 20 seconds left, the Phoenix trailed by 5, and fans at John Cain Arena rose to their feet, fan-favourite Owen Foxwell (nine points, three assists) hit a timely three to reduce the margin to 2 points, leaving the home crowd hopeful of a comeback win.

Unfortunately though, it wasn't meant to be. Illawarra going on to win this matchup, giving head coach Justin Tatum his first win at John Cain Arena from eight attempts.

The Phoenix will next take on the Tasmania JackJumpers on Friday at the Silverdome.

FULL TIME STATS

Hurt: 18p/9r/1a/1stl/2blks
Wieskamp: 16p/7r/1a
Sobey: 14p/4r/2a/2stls
Lewis: 12p/6r/3a/1blk
Foxwell: 9p/2r/3a
Glover: 5p/4r/3a
Hunter: 3p/5r/1a/1blk
Kenyon: 3p/1r
Vodanovich: 2p/1r/1stl
Ayre: 2a

CLICK HERE to get tickets to Phoenix's next home game, Sunday Funday against the Perth Wildcats on Sunday, November 3.