Musashi Match Report: Fighting Phoenix Fall in Bendigo

A spirited late fightback from South East Melbourne Phoenix fell just short of overcoming Melbourne United in Throwdown V on Sunday, going down 96-90 in Bendigo.

The Phoenix poured in 36 points in the final term alone to set up a grandstand finish but ultimately left their run too late.

Despite the disappointment of the loss, it was a commendable effort from a team who had just spent a month on the road and arrived back in Melbourne late last night.

“I’m disappointed to lose but I can’t argue too much in regards to the effort,” Phoenix Coach Simon Mitchell said.

“I thought we played about as well as we could given the circumstances. There was a little bit of fatigue in the group but I thought our focus was pretty good.

“You’ve got to try to restrict the effectiveness of the blue-chip guys and I thought we were able to do that. Reuben did a wonderful job on Hopson, Keifer was right up causing Chris (Goulding) some problems, and Yanni at least broke even with Jock (Landale).

“You’ve just got to tip your hat when guys come out like Shea Ili and Jack White knocking down shots…we wanted those guys to beat us and they did.”

Keifer Sykes (24 points, six rebounds, seven assists, two steals) led scorers for the Phoenix in another lion-hearted effort from the explosive guard.

Ben Moore recorded a 12 point, 10 rebound, one block double-double off the bench, while Yanni Wetzell continued his impressive start to his rookie season with 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block.

“Like coach said, we played hard and we can’t really complain about the effort,” Moore said post-game.

“We just had a few defensives lapses here and there, little mistakes of that nature that if we could eliminate, it’s an even closer game.”

Reuben Te Rangi played a stellar defensive game, holding star wing Scotty Hopson scoreless and even spending time on big Jock Landale. Cam Gliddon scored 11 points and made some huge plays late in the game on both ends of the floor to inspire the comeback.

Mitch Creek found his teammates with 13 points and seven assists. Kyle Adnam also reached double figures with 10 points.

Jack White, Chris Goulding and Shea Ili shone for United.

The Phoenix now get to rest up before hosting The Hawks in their first home game of NBL21 on Sunday at the State Basketball Centre.

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (31/01/2021)