Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Look For Apple Isle Win

South East Melbourne Phoenix is looking to bounce back after losing five games straight and slipping out of the top six. 

After a tough loss against a gallant Bullets on Monday night, Phoenix will get the chance to keep their finals chances alive when taking on the JackJumpers tonight. 

With a full squad (minus Zhou Qi) back for the second game in a row, Phoenix will be hoping to get back into their winning rhythm.

Phoenix will also be out for revenge against the JackJumpers after a disappointing performance the last time they met in Round 13. 

The JackJumpers are coming off a 16-point win against the 36ers and will look to continue their winning run.

(Phoenix will be out to get back on the winner's list against the JackJumpers.)

Key Details
TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 13-10 (4th) v SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 12-12 (7th)
Where: Silverdome
When: Wednesday, January 18 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel 

The Line Up

Phoenix

Tohi Smith-Milner (NRP) will remain in the side, replacing Zhou Qi, who returned to China for family reasons.

As it’s an away game, development players Owen Foxwell and Anzac Rissetto will not travel with the team to Launceston. 

JackJumpers

The JackJumpers will have a full roster for tonight’s game.

The Key Match Up

Mitch Creek v Rashard Kelly

Creek continues his MVP contender form as he pushes to lead the Phoenix towards a finals berth. While Creek only tallied 17 points on Monday night, he pulled down some important rebounds, finishing in the end with a double-double with 13 rebounds. 

Kelly has been in good touch the last few games, recording 19 points on 75 FG% in the win against the 36ers on Thursday and another 18 points two nights earlier against the Hawks.

Last time these teams met, Creek was critical of his own performance along with that of import big Alan Williams, due to a high turnover rate between the two bigs. If the Phoenix frontcourt can take care of the ball tonight, it will go a long way to securing victory.

(Creek will continue his season-best form as he and the Phoenix keep their finals chances alive.)

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head: 
South East Melbourne Phoenix 3-2 Tasmania JackJumpers

Last time out – Rd 13, NBL23
Phoenix 74–99 JackJumpers 

Phoenix
Williams 21p
Creek 18p
Madut 8p

JackJumpers
Doyle 25p
White 18p
Magette 14p

The Difference Makers

Alan Williams

Williams is Phoenix’s go-to player in the paint. When the side is struggling offensively, Big Sauce is the man to get it to as he more often than not will score or draw a foul trying. Williams continues to show his dominant strength on the court, crashing through opposition players while cleaning the glass and hyping himself and his team up when he makes a big play.

He is currently second in the league for rebounds with 9.3 rpg this season and averages 16.43 ppg this season. 

Milton Doyle

Doyle continues to show his ability across the court, mainly in the paint and beyond the arc. He is the highest three-point shooter for the JackJumpers and will be one to watch when he gets the space and time he needs from deep. He is currently averaging 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and 2.2 three-point makes per game.

(Williams will be pivotal at both ends of the court for Phoenix's chance to win tonight.)

Phoenix Media (18/01/23)