Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Face Quick Turnaround Against 36ers

South East Melbourne Phoenix face a quick turnaround after last nights victtory over the Taipans, travelling from Cairns to Adelaide after a 12 point win over the Taipans.

Adelaide are coming off a week’s rest after their loss last round to United. 

(Brandon Ashley recorded a career high 25 points in the win against the Taipans.)

Key Details

ADELAIDE 36ERS 6 – 13 (8th) v SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 12 – 9 (5th)
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
When: Sunday March 27, 1pm AEDT
Watch live and free on 10Peach or ESPN on Kayo Freebies

The Teams

Phoenix

Phoenix came out unscathed in their win over the Taipans, but will again be without big man Zhou Qi due to a minor knee complaint. Zhou will be replaced by Tristan Forsyth. 

They will also again be without Ryan Broekhoff who continues to recover from a shoulder injury sustained in Throwdown XV against United. Lachlan Barker is the nominated replacement player.

36ers

Adelaide will be without forward Cam Bairstow due to an ankle injury. 

Players to Watch

Mitch Creek v Daniel Johnson

The two ex-teammates went head to head the last time the two teams met, with Johnson dropping a game-high 31 points to Creek's 29.
After a couple of quiet games, Johnson scored a game-high 18 last start.

Creek has been quiet offensively in the last three games but has found other ways to impact the game. On Friday night, his 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals against Cairns saw him contribute all over the floor. 

(Former teammates Mitch Creek and Daniel Johnson went toe to toe last time the two teams met.)

Last 5

Phoenix: LLLLW
36ers: LLLWL

The Stats

Phoenix
Points: M Creek, 21.1ppg (#3 in NBL)
Rebounds: Q Zhou, 7.11rpg
Assists: X Munford, 3.94apg
Blocks: Q Zhou, 2.06bpg (#3 in NBL)
Steals: R Broekhoff, 1.56spg

36ers
Points: D Johnson, 15.42ppg
Rebounds: C Bairstow, 8rpg
Assists: M McCarron 5.17apg
Blocks: K Sotto, 0.86bpg
Steals: M McCarron, 2sspg (#2 in NBL)

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head: 4 – 5 
South East Melbourne Phoenix – Adelaide 36ers

Last time out – Rd 14, NBL22
Phoenix 83 – 36ers 76

Phoenix
Creek 29p
Broekhoff 12p
Le’afa 11p

36ers
Johnson 31p
McCarron 9p
Hannahs 9p

Recap

Phoenix led for most of the game the last time the two sides met in Adelaide. The scoring battle between ex-teammates Mitch Creek and Daniel Johnson was the big talking point. Johnson ended the night with the game-high 31 points, but Creek got the better of the two with 29 points, seven rebounds and five assists and the win. 

Staring the final quarter 11 points down, the 36ers didn’t make it easy for Phoenix, chipping away at the gap before hitting the lead with three minutes left in the game. Some late heroics from Creek and Kyle Adnam sealed the win for the Phoenix.

(The team will be without stars Ryan Broekhoff and Zhou Qi for Sunday's clash against the the 36ers.)

Quotes

"It’s all about the little things, taking care of your body make sure that you are eating right, try and get an ice bath in, just really focus on recovery and prepare yourself mentally as well.”
-Phoenix player, Brandon Ashley on the quick turnaround in games

"When you lose five games, it can get a little tough when you are on the backside of that. Just trying to stay locked in and play every possession as it comes your way.”
-36ers Head Coach CJ Brunton

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Phoenix Media (26/03/2022)