Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Cross the Ditch to Take on Breakers

For the first time this season, the Phoenix will have an entire squad to pick from.

They head across the ditch to take on the New Zealand Breakers for the second time in five days and will be looking to reverse Saturday's loss at home.

Key Details
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 3-1 (3rd) v SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX  1-3 (8th)
Where: The Trusts Arena
When: Thursday, October 20 at 5:30pm AEDT
Watch on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

(Phoenix regain Browne into the squad for Round 4.)

The Line Up

Phoenix

With the return of import guard Gary Browne, the Phoenix will be at full strength; the game is another chance for the returning players to get more time in their legs as they rebuild their chemistry and fitness.

Development players Owen Foxwell and Anzac Rissetto will not travel with the team.

Breakers

Barry Brown Jr will be a game-day decision for the Breakers; he has missed the last few games due to hamstring tightness. Dan Fotu will not play due to illness.

They will be without veteran Tom Abercrombie as he recovers from an eye injury.

The Key Match Up

Gary Browne v Will McDowell-White

Browne will play his first regular season game for the Phoenix on Thursday night. His leadership and high basketball IQ, two reasons he was recruited, will be on display.

McDowell-White has started the NBL season on a tear, continuing his excellent form in his recent stint for the Boomers.

(Kell will be one to watch, with a game and a week of training under his belt.)

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head:
South East Melbourne Phoenix 8-4 New Zealand Breakers

Last time out – Rd 3, NBL23
Phoenix 77–85 Breakers

Phoenix
Creek 20p
Adnam 17p
Broekhoff 11p

Breakers
Loe 18p
Le’afa 14p
Brantley 13p

The Difference Makers

Trey Kell

With a game and a week of training under Kell's belt, he will have a big say in the final result; his poise, three-point shooting, and ability to close out a game will be welcome additions to the Phoenix line-up.

Jarrell Brantley and Barry Brown Jr

Brantley showed why the Breakers coveted his signature when they were building their roster five days ago and will be looking to have a significant impact on the game's outcome again.

(Phoenix will be hoping to bring home the W from New Zealand.)

CLICK HERE for tickets to Saturday's home game against the Bullets

Phoenix Media (20/10/22)