Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Celebrate Lunar New Year Against the Wildcats

Phoenix had a much-needed win on Wednesday night against the JackJumpers, keeping their finals hopes alive. 

Phoenix returns home to take on the Wildcats at their second sold-out State Basketball Centre game tomorrow. 

It is a special day for Phoenix guard Reuben Te Rangi who plays his 300th NBL game, while the club also celebrate Lunar New Year.

The Wildcats are also fighting to cement their spot in the top six. The Wildcats had a big win over the top of the ladder Kings on Friday night by seven points.

(Phoenix face the Wildcats tomorrow as both teams keep their final chances alive.)

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 13-12 (6th) v PERTH WILDCATS 13-10 (4th)
Where: State Basketball Centre
When: Sunday, January 22 at 2pm AEDT
Watch LIVE and FREE on 10 Peach, ESPN, Kayo

The Line Up

Phoenix

Phoenix will go into tomorrow's game with the same line-up with the addition of development players Anzac Rissetto and Owen Foxwell returning to the side.

Wildcats

The Wildcats will hope to re-gain Mitch Norton who missed Friday night’s game against the Kings with a hip injury.

The Key Match Up

Alan Williams vs TaShawn Thomas

The battle between Thomas and Williams will be one well worth watching tomorrow at SBC. Williams continues his strong first season with the Phoenix. He has dominated the boards this season and is averaging just shy of a double-double at 16 and 9. 

Thomas has found his rhythm in the team at both ends of the court and has been playing his best basketball for the season in the last few weeks. Against the 36ers, Thomas was 77% from the field while also working hard around the rim with six rebounds.

(Reuben Te Rangi plays his 300th NBL game tomorrow.)

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head:
South East Melbourne Phoenix 5-8 Perth Wildcats

Last time out – Rd 7, NBL23
Phoenix 96–103 Wildcats

Phoenix
Creek 32p
Williams 16p
Browne 12p

Wildcats
Cotton 32p
Manek 21p
Webster 10p

The Difference Makers

Gary Browne

After returning from injury, Browne was back to his best against the JackJumpers. Browne did whatever he wanted, facing multiple defenders,  shooting 50% from the field and three while also creating space for his teammates around the rim.

Bryce Cotton

Cotton is the man to silence when facing Perth; to beat Perth, they will need to limit Cotton's impact on the game.

(Phoenix return home to another sold out SBC.)

The Entertainment

Doors Open at 12:30pm

 Phoenix are celebrating Lunar New Year with the Year of the Rabbit. A lion dance will be performed during the pre-game.

Make sure you get involved in our Firestarter moment just before tip-off. All Phoenix fans, get off your seats and make some noise as the game starts. Stay on your feet until the band stops playing and sing along. Bring the energy!

At three-quarter time, one lucky fan will get the chance to shoot a half-court shot for a brand-new MG.

If you attend the game and are a Phoenix member, you will get ten entries for the chance to win an MG at the final home game of the season.

How to Get to SBC

With a high volume of cars and foot traffic, please consider the below for planning your trip to SBC:

- Plan to get to the stadium early and allow time to enter SBC.
 
- There will be limited car parking spaces. Consider carpooling with friends or family to the game.

- Please note there will not be available parking at the Church on High Street.

Phoenix Media (21/1/23)