Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Head West to Face Wildcats

The last time South East Melbourne Phoenix went West they broke the 35 year finals streak for the Perth Wildcats; they will be out for revenge when the two sides meet Friday night.

Phoenix are coming off back-to-back wins, while the Wildcats are coming off a big loss to the Tasmania JackJumpers.

Key Details

PERTH WILDCATS  3-2 (5th) v SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX  3-3 (7th)
Where: RAC Arena
When: Friday, October 28 at 9:30 pm AEDT
Watch on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

(Phoenix will travel to Perth for their first game for Round 5.)

The Line-Up

Phoenix

Phoenix will go into their first game of round five with a full roster. Development players Owen Foxwell and Anzac Rissetto will not travel with the team to Perth.

Wildcats

The Wildcats will also have a full roster for the game on Friday night.

The Key Match Up

Gary Browne v Bryce Cotton

In two games for the Phoenix Browne has been the floor general the Phoenix lacked last year, with 20 assists in two games.

The key to beating Perth is simple, limit Cotton and your chances of leaving Perth with a W vastly increase. These two floor generals will be ones to watch throughout the game but also if the game is a close finish.

(Browne will be one to watch against Perth with already making an impact in his first two games for Phoenix.)

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head:
South East Melbourne Phoenix 4-7 Perth Wildcats

Last time out – Rd 21, NBL22
Phoenix 102–100 Wildcats

Phoenix
Munford 24p
Ashley 17p
Creek 15p

Wildcats
Cotton 28p
Frazier II 22p
Hodgson 12p

The Difference Makers

Trey Kell

Being part of the starting five and having three games under his belt, Kell has shown what he can bring to the team with his three-point shot and zig-zag to a lay-up.

Corey Webster

The guard has averaged 10 points and two rebounds so far but will still make a difference off the bench providing a scoring punch for the Wildcats.

(Phoenix looking to keep their winning culture going when they head to Perth.)

Quotes 

“Obviously it’s a long trip but we’ve got a good group of guys, a good group of vets. They kind of let us know it’s a pretty hostile place to play, but I think we will thrive in that. I think we are looking forward to the opportunity to go out and play against one of the better teams in the league and continue to show our growth and improvement and getting better day by day.” – Alan Williams

CLICK HERE to get your tickets to Sunday's home game against the Adelaide 36ers

Phoenix Media (28/10/22)