Musashi Match Report: Phoenix Beat Wildcats for First Time in Franchise History

South East Melbourne Phoenix have recorded one of the biggest wins in their short franchise history, overcoming the Wildcats in Perth 90-89 in a heart-stopper on Friday night.

Keifer Sykes took the responsibility of winning the game in his hands with 5 seconds on the clock and delivered, nailing a clutch, high-arching shot over centre John Mooney to take a 1-point lead.

Down the other end, Wildcats legend Jesse Wagstaff missed what would’ve been the game winner as time expired, much to the relief of Phoenix fans back on the East Coast.

The victory is the Phoenix’s first win over Perth in club history and their first one-point win in the NBL.

Sykes spoke to the media about his play in the final moments post-game.

“I want those responsibilities, I want that for this team. I want this team to be great, I want to continue to make a lot of history for this team,” he said.

“I know this is our first win against Perth with us being a new club. I have an opportunity to make a lot of history, a lot of small milestones with this team and I want to do a lot of these things for coach and this program.

(Sykes has been huge for the Phoenix so far this season)

“That’s why I signed up here and that’s why I’m excited to come to this league, to get this challenge with a whole new set of guys and a whole new team.”

Mitch Creek (24 points on 10-15 shooting, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals) played an inspirational role, even taping up his own ankle in the last quarter after rolling it on a drive.

Keifer Sykes (19 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals) controlled the tempo of the game offensively and was a menace on the defensive side of the court, coming up with a huge steal on superstar Bryce Cotton in the dying moments before hitting the game winner a few possessions later.

Yanni Wetzell and Kyle Adnam both scored 14 points and stepped up in the absence of Adam Gibson, who missed with calf tightness.

For the Wildcats, Bryce Cotton was incredible again with 32 points, while John Mooney’s 19 points and 13 rebounds were also big.

The Phoenix’s record after playing their first month of the season on the road is now 2-2.

The team flies back to Melbourne tomorrow before heading to Bendigo on Sunday for Throwdown V against Melbourne United.

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (29/01/2021)