DREWITT'S BULBS MATCH REPORT: Phoenix Topple United for First NBL25 Win

Jordan Hunter led the way for the Phoenix. The captain leading all scorers with 20 points, his highest points tally of the season so far while being the defensive anchor en route to nine rebounds and a block.

Tensions hit a high when Hunter and Chris Goulding got tied up under the basket forcing refs to review the entanglement before deciding against giving out any technical fouls. 

Derrick Walton Jr unfortunately exited the game in the second term with a suspected right hamstring injury and will be re-evaluated during the week.

The hosts were able to extend the lead out to 10 points halfway through the second term before Tom Vodanovich hit three straight triples to bring the Phoenix back into the game.

Tommy V has enter the building!! 👌😤

📺 ESPN via Kayo | 10 Bold & 10 Play pic.twitter.com/7wch8hKewb

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) October 20, 2024

That flurry combined with some strong defensive efforts allowed the Phoenix to take a five point lead going into the halftime break.

With the injury to Walton Jr, Nathan Sobey and Angus Glover shared the point duties, Sobey scoring 16 points and Glover finishing with eight assists.

Next Star Malique Lewis (7 PTS , 6 REB, 2 BLK ) continues to impress in NBL 25. The 20 year old impressed the crowd with a shovel pass alley-oop assist to his big in Hunter. His ability to be unfazed by defenders likely to impress scouts. 

Matt Hurt played a big part in closing out the United, the ex-Memphis Grizzlies forward shooting fifty percent from deep continuing his strong form en route to 18 points and seven rebounds.

With a three point margin going into the final term Phoenix fans were heart in throat. 

Fortunately the Phoenix would hit five threes as a team in the final term finishing the game 93 - 84 for the Phoenix’s first win of NBL 25

The Phoenix take on New Zealand next at Wolfbrooke Arena on Thursday.

Fans can vote for their GOAT Player of the Game HERE. If you enter, you go into the chance to win 2 x Platinum seats to our next home game on October 26 against the Illawarra Hawks.

FULL TIME STATS

Hunter: 20p/9r/1blk
Hurt: 18p/7r/2a/1blk
Sobey: 16p/5r/2a/3stls
Vodanovich: 9p/2r/1stl
Lewis: 7p/6r/3a/2blks
Glover: 7p/5r/8a/1stl
Wieskamp: 6p/3r/1blk
Foxwell: 6p/1a/1stl
Walton Jr: 4p/2a/2stls
Ayre: 2a

CLICK HERE to secure your seats for Phoenix's next home game against the Illawarra Hawks on Saturday, October 26 at 5:30pm.