Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Look to Bounce Back in Throwdown XVIII

Delivered by DoorDash

The last time the two cross-town rivals met was only a fortnight ago, with Melbourne United starting the Throwdowns for NBL23 1-0 over South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Phoenix travel home from Perth after a tough loss to the Wildcats by 7-points last night and will be looking to tidy up their defence and improve their free throw shooting as they return to the Fire Pit tomorrow night to take on United.

United also lost last night, going down to the 36ers by 5-points. 

(Phoenix will look for revenge when they take on United for a second time in a fortnight.)

Key Details
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 5-5 (5th) v MELBOURNE UNITED 5-6 (8th)
Where: John Cain Arena
When: Saturday, November 19 at 5:30pm AEDT
Watch on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

The Line Up

Phoenix

Phoenix will be without Zhou Qi who sustained a calf injury during training a fortnight ago. Tohi Smith-Milner will be the replacement player for him.

United

United will be without Shea Ili who is still suffering with the effects of his concussion at the start of the season.

They will also gain their new import Marcus Lee for his first game in the NBL.

The Key Match Up

Gary Browne v Xavier Rathan-Mayes

Browne has been consistent in his outings, with the Phoenix averaging 11 points, eight assists and three rebounds per game. He is currently second in the league for assists and knows where his teammates are when he has the ball.

Rathan-Mayes has been United's most consistent player, averaging 17 points, four assists and seven rebounds per game. Both players control the game's tempo and are their team's court generals.

(Browne and Tucker will be the ones to watch when they take the floor Saturday afternoon.)

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head:
South East Melbourne Phoenix 4-10 Melbourne United

Last time out – Rd 6, NBL23
Phoenix 85–110 United

Phoenix
Williams 30p, 14r
Creek 24p
Browne 16p

United
Goulding 30p
Humphries 20p
Ili 15p

The Difference Makers

Trey Kell

Kell has had a few quiet games on the offensive end in a row now, hitting just six points in the last Throwdown and 10 points in Thursday night's loss. He will be looking to rectify his own form on Saturday night. He proved he could be the difference in the Round 5 overtime win against the 36ers.

Rayjon Tucker

Tucker has had an up-and-down season so far for United. The self-proclaimed 'best new import in the league,' has been disappointing for United. For them to win, they need him to live up to his own billing. 

(There is heaps to do pre-game around the Fire Pit before the main event of Throwdown XVIII.)

The Entertainment

Gate 6 Opens – 4pm
Inner Doors – 4:30pm

CLICK HERE to read on what is happening when doors open at 4pm at the Fire Pit.

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 an extra 50 entries for the chance to win an MG at the final home game of the season.

How to Get to the Fire Pit

The precinct will be busy with a huge crowd expected for the game and a concert happening at Margaret Court Arena after the game Please plan your trip to John Cain Arena HERE.

The Eastern Car Park is SOLD OUT for Saturday’s game.

Quotes

“We learned a lot from last Throwdown a couple of weeks ago, we just didn’t come out ready to play and United came off a tough game up in Cairns just before. They had been motivated and we just didn’t match their intensity and effort. I think we have reviewed pretty thoroughly what went wrong and what we can do to adjust. Hopefully we have learnt from those mistakes and put in a better performance.” – Ryan Broekhoff

Limited tickets still remain, so get in quick to not miss out! CLICK HERE to secure your seat.

This game will be a sell-out, for smooth entry to your event, download your mobile ticket and add to your Apple or G-pay wallet now or as soon as you purchase your ticket.

Phoenix Media (18/11/22)