Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Start Round 9 in New Zealand

South East Melbourne Phoenix head across the ditch to take on the red-hot New Zealand Breakers after two big wins against United and the Hawks. The 34-point win over the Hawks was a franchise record winning margin for the Phoenix who look to continue their winning ways in a big Round 9.

Tonight they come up against the current ladder leaders and surprise packet Breakers before heading home to a home Throwdown on Saturday.

(Adnam returns from injury to play his 200th NBL game against the Breakers.)

Key Details
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 10-3 (1st) v SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 7-5 (4th)
Where: Christchurch Arena
When: Thursday, December 1 at 5:30 pm AEDT
Watch on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

The Line-Up

Phoenix

Co-captain Kyle Adnam returns after being a late out in the game against The Hawks and will finally play his 200th NBL game against the Breakers following a big build up last week. Phoenix will be without Zhou Qi as he recovers from a calf injury. Tohi Smith Milner will be his replacement player.

Development players Anzac Rissetto and Owen Foxwell will not travel with the side to New Zealand.

Breakers

The Breakers hope to regain veteran Rob Loe who missed last round's game.

The Key Match Up

Mitch Creek v Jarrell Brantley

Both Creek and Brantley have been balling for their respective teams. Creek is leading the league in scoring with 22.67 points a game and is having an MVP calibre season.

Brantley has been one of the Breaker's best players week in week out and is a big reason they find themselves on top of the ladder. 

(Creek will hope to follow up after his 300th NBL game last round.)

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head:
South East Melbourne Phoenix 9-4 New Zealand Breakers

Last time – Rd 4
Phoenix 99–77 Breakers

Phoenix
Adam 17p
Williams 16p
Creek 15p

Breakers
Brantley 17p
Pardon 16p
Le’afa 10p

The Difference Makers

Alan Williams

Williams already has four double-doubles this season. He is a rebounding machine for the Phoenix, while also creating buckets down the offensive end.

Derek Pardon

Pardon finds himself in the MVP conversation after a solid start to the season on both the offensive and defensive ends.

(Rebuen Te Rangi playing in his home country in Round 4.)

Quotes

Kyle Adnam

“It’s definitely going to be a good game, going over to New Zealand to Christchurch. They’re rolling at the moment, they kind of got everyone playing really well. Obviously their bigs Pardon and Brantley have been really tough and we are going to have to do a good job on the boards and understanding where they are. Also, their guards have been really good as well. For us probably replicating things we did well last time but understand that it’s going to be a tough night and always a great place to play as well.”

CLICK HERE to secure your seat for Throwdown XIX on Saturday night

Phoenix Media (1/12/22)