DREWITT'S BULBS MATCH REPORT: Phoenix Stun Wildcats in Home Boilover

King’s side returned home after a statement win against the JackJumpers searching for their second win under new head coach Josh King and their fourth win out of their last five games.

The Phoenix took full advantage of a slow-starting Perth, outscoring their opponent 35 - 25 in one of their most efficient opening terms of the season.

South East Melbourne shot 73 percent from the field and 55 percent from deep while also managing four steals and two blocks on the defensive end in one of the side's most eye-catching terms in recent history.

NBL MVP-fancy Matt Hurt was irresistible in the opening stanza, going perfect from six shots and finishing with 14 points to help the Phoenix establish an early buffer.

14 points in the first quarter for the Hurt Locker! 🤯

📺 10 & 10 Play | ESPN via Kayo pic.twitter.com/K7scIaSppt

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) November 3, 2024

Nathan Sobey posted his 4000th Career point in the first 20 seconds of the match, his newfound aggression allowed him to pour in 20 points, four assists and three blocks.

Back-to-back 👌 and his 4,000th points for the cap! 🙌

📺 10 & 10 Play | ESPN via Kayo pic.twitter.com/uvD7kSUKYS

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) November 3, 2024

Tonight was Sobey’s highest points tally since round three against the New Zealand Breakers.

Angus Glover managed his second start of the season and contributed his highest points tally of the season with 17.

Glover scored nine points in the third term thanks to some sharpshooting from deep and appears to be a key piece his head coach’s offence.

Phoenix Next Star Malique Lewis was a solid contributor all night with 10 points, six rebounds and two three-pointers made.

MALIQUE!!!

We were all Sobes reaction! 💚

📺 10 & 10 Play | ESPN via Kayo pic.twitter.com/MSUHRn2jTC

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) November 3, 2024

The Wildcat’s eventually tally of 76 points is the second-lowest the Wildcats have produced this season—a credit to the reinvigorated defence of the Phoenix.

The South East Melbourne Phoenix will next face the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday.

Make sure to vote for the player you thought was the GOAT Player of the Game against the Wildcats HERE, to win platinum seats for our next home game!

FULL TIME STATS

Sobey: 20p/5r/5a/3blks
Hurt: 17p/4r/1a/2stls/2blks
Glover: 17p/1r/2a/1stl
Lewis: 10p/6r/1a/1stl/1blk
Foxwell: 10p/3r/1a/1stl
Wieskamp: 8p/7r/2a/1stl/1blk
Hunter: 6p/9r/2blks
Vodanovich: 6p/1r/1a
Kenyon: 4p/5r/1stl
Rosendale: 2p/1stl

Get your tickets now for Phoenix's Indigenous Round game against the Cairns Taipans on November 10 at John Cain Arena at 2:30pm. CLICK HERE to secure your seats.