Game Preview: Phoenix Look to Claw Back Wildcats

Opponent: Perth Wildcats

Where: RAC Arena, Perth

When: 9:30pm AEDT

Broadcast: ESPN, SBS On Demand, Twitch, NBL TV

Live Updates: @SEMelbPhoenix on Twitter

South East Melbourne Phoenix return to RAC Arena attempting to bounce back against the Perth Wildcats on Friday night after a late fadeout cost them a chance at victory on Sunday.

There will be plenty of matchups to look forward to, with Keifer Sykes looking for a strong performance against Bryce Cotton and Yanni Wetzell looking to turn the screws on import big John Mooney.

It’s a late tip-off for fans in Victoria but is set to be well worth the wait.

Following the game, the Phoenix return to Victoria to face Throwdown rivals Melbourne United in Bendigo on Sunday.

(Cam Gliddon found some form against Perth on Sunday)

SIMON MITCHELL:

“There was a lot of self-inflicted wounds that were performed during the course of the game (on Sunday), myself included.

“I thought our repeated turnovers were poor, repeated non box-outs were poor, and my job is to make sure those don’t happen and to stop it in its tracks. I feel like they’re two very fixable areas and despite the fact we were so poor in those areas, with 90 seconds to go we were still a chance. We just need improvement in those areas to put ourselves in a good position.”

ADAM GIBSON:

“It’s early days. We’ve got half a new team from last year and we haven’t been able to play too many actual games.

“We should’ve won that first game (against Adelaide) in double overtime - we missed free throws, we missed shots.

“We’re still confident. We’ve been together for a long time on the road so we can’t wait to get back to Melbourne but for us it’s just about working on stuff we’ve been poor at…some of our turnovers were just under-15’s type stuff. You take five turnovers away, that’s 10 points they don’t get and it’s a different ball game.

“Bryce can still get his numbers but if we take care of the ball turnover wise and box out…it goes a long way. Those two areas will be focusses for Friday.”

SQUAD

The Phoenix are again expected to take the full squad into Friday night.

Dane Pineau remains out through injury.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Perth local Cam Gliddon started to heat up in his hometown last week, dropping 15 points including two triples. The shooting guard is a busy defender but will need to continue making buckets to boost the team’s chances of a win.

Coach Simon Mitchell has implored the team to rebound better on the defensive end, so Yanni Wetzell and Ben Moore will be eager to clean the glass and get the ball moving quickly.

Adam Gibson has enjoyed a hot start to the season and his experience and playmaking will be key in the pressure bowl that is Perth.

OPPOSITION REPORT

Perth’s victory over the Phoenix last week was their first and only game of NBL21 so far.

The Wildcats were able to quieten some of their doubters with a strong win, while reigning MVP Bryce Cotton reminded everyone of his freakish ability with 27 points.

John Mooney had an impactful debut at centre, hauling down 14 rebounds and boosting his side just before the main break with a huge put-back slam.

The shooting of Todd Blanchfield, Clint Steindl and Jesse Wagstaff will also pose a threat to the Phoenix.

HISTORY VS. OPPOSITION

Head-to-Head Record:

Perth 4 Phoenix 0

NBL21:

Perth 88 def Phoenix 76

NBL20:

Perth 110 def Phoenix 79

Perth 108 def Phoenix 98

Perth 97 def Phoenix 71

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (28/01/2021)