MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix back in the Heartland to take on Hawks

KEY DETAILS

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (4-7) 8th vs ILLAWARRA HAWKS (4-9) 10^th
Where: State Basketball Centre, Wantirna South
When: Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30pm
Watch: ESPN

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE GAME - DON'T MISS OUT, GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Both teams will be searching for a much-needed win when they take to the court for their first Ignite Cup game of the season.

The Phoenix are coming off a disappointing loss against the reigning champions, the Sydney Kings, in Sydney, going down by 11 points on Sunday. They will be looking to bounce back in the Heartland on Wednesday night and reignite their season.

Co-captain Nathan Soeby delivered a standout performance in Sydney, finishing with a game-high 33 points and six made threes.

The Illawarra Hawks are also heading into Wednesday's game looking to get back on the winners' list. They went down to the Adelaide 36ers by 28 points following a fiery contest in Adelaide.

The last time the two sides met was in Round 3, when the Phoenix secured their second win of the season. However, the last time they faced off at SBC, it was a thriller, with the game going into overtime. Wednesday night's clash is sure to provide plenty of entertainment.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Hunter Goodrick will continue his return to play following a knee injury. He is nearing a return and will be evaluated before the Melbourne United game on Saturday. He will be replaced by Ellis Biggar in the team tomorrow night.

Daniel Foster will remain on the sidelines as he continues his rehabilitation with an ongoing back injury. Pat Ryan continues to remain in the side for him.

Hawks

The Hawks will go in unchanged to tomorrow’s game.

‍KEEP AN EYE ON

Sobey vs the Hawks

Nathan Sobey has enjoyed plenty of success against Illawarra. Across his 10 meetings with the Hawks in Phoenix colours, he is averaging 21.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists.

The last time the Phoenix hosted the Hawks at SBC, the MVP chants rang around the arena as Sobey exploded for 37 points in an overtime victory in what was a fiery affair.

Wednesday's clash is sure to provide another memorable chapter as Sobey comes face-to-face with the Hawks once again.

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE GAME - DON'T MISS OUT, GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 15-11 Hawks

Last time out – Round 3, NBL27

Phoenix 113-96 Hawks

Phoenix

• Soeby 24 points
• Daniels 16 points
• Schwartz 15 points

Hawks

• Martin 17 points
• Maker 14 points
• Doyle 14 points

GAME DAY HUB

Coming to Wednesday's game? Make sure you're across everything happening on game day, including parking information, by checking out our up-to-date Game Day Hub.

CLICK HERE or the image below.

IGNITE CUP RULES

Here's a quick refresher on what the Ignite Cup entails.

The in-season tournament is played across 20 Wednesday night games, with every result counting towards the regular season ladder. A unique quarter-by-quarter scoring system also determines a separate Ignite Cup ladder.

Teams earn points towards the Ignite Cup ladder throughout each game. Three points are awarded for an overall victory, while teams also earn one point for each quarter they win. If both teams score an equal number of points in a quarter, each is awarded half a point (0.5).

With every quarter counting, each game becomes a series of mini-battles, keeping the intensity high from tip-off to the final buzzer as teams chase crucial points on the Ignite Cup ladder.

Remember, all Ignite Cup games also count towards the regular season ladder, meaning every game matters.