Heartland Hustle: Phoenix look to go back-to-back against Breakers

South East Melbourne Phoenix will look to make it two from two against their neighbours from across the ditch as they host New Zealand for the second time in less than a week.

The Phoenix will take momentum into this one after disposing of the Breakers in their season-opener last Saturday.
Here’s how the two teams are shaping up for the rematch.

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The Teams:

Phoenix

The Phoenix escaped unscathed from the win over the Breakers and will go into Friday night’s clash with a near-full squad - aside from new import Devin Thomas.
The Pennsylvania native will be released from Covid protocols at midnight on Thursday, but will need more time to become acclimatised with his teammates and coach Simon Mitchell’s system. Chinese Big man Zhou Qi impressed in his debut and will be better for the run after blowing out the cobwebs following a Japan return trip for FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Breakers

New Zealand will have a different complexion in Round 2, starting with the man on the sidelines. Head coach Dan Shamir has recovered from Covid-19 and is set to be back courtside on Friday night, after assistant Mody Maor was forced to take the reins last week. The Breakers are also expecting the return of a weapon familiar to South East Melbourne fans in centre Yanni Wetzell. Wetzell manned the middle for the Phoenix last season, before moving back to his native land to join the Breakers. He was a late scratch on Saturday night, but is expected to be ready to go. Veteran Tom Abercrombie remains out with a side strain.

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Players to watch:

Xavier Munford v every Breakers guard
They all tried to stop him and they all failed as the irresistible new import put in a debut for the ages.
Munford was unconscious from the field, knocking down 10-of-18 shots, including 4-for-6 from deep on his way to 27 points.
His length, speed and decision-making proved a nightmare for the Breakers as he added 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals to top off his big night.
So good was Munford that he became the first and only player in NBL history to record at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists on debut in less than 30 minutes playing time.
You can bet Munford will be top of the Breakers’ scout ahead of Friday night’s rematch.

The History:

Regular season Head-to-Head: 9 games

South East Melbourne Phoenix 6-3 New Zealand Breakers

Last time out
South East Melbourne Phoenix 89-65 New Zealand Breakers

Phoenix
Xavier Munford 27 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals
Mitch Creek 19 points
Cam Gliddon 9 points
Zhou Qi 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks

Breakers
Finn Delany 18 points, 9 rebounds
Peyton Siva 11 points
Kyrin Galloway 10 points, 6 rebounds

While Munford was the clear standout, he was not alone as the Phoenix spread the load in a dominant performance to begin the 2021-22 season on a victorious note.
The Phoenix busted the game open after quarter time, leaping out to a 23-point lead and never looking back as they answered everything the Breakers threw at them.
Star forward Mitch Creek proved the perfect foil for Munford, making 9 of his 14 shots for 19 points as the point guard’s main support, while Cam Gliddon did what he does best, draining a trio of three-pointers on his way to 9.
Zhou proved a hit with fans and was a problem at both ends of the floor, sending back three shots and altering several others, while helping himself to 8 points and 5 rebounds, while Dane Pineau crashed the offensive glass, ripping down five second chances - three of those in the first quarter - to set the tone.

The Quote:

“They’re a good team, I don’t expect any sort of blowout when we face them again. I’d like it, but it’s unrealistic — they’re too good to keep down for two games in a row like that.”
-Phoenix head coach Simon Mitchell on the rematch with the Breakers

“I believe we are going to have a list of things we that need to do better, and we'll get right back at it dealing with it, and hopefully from (this) week, we look different.”
-Breakers coach Dan Shamir on how he expects his team to bounce back (ESPN)

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