Phoenix Back in the Six

Every game for the Phoenix now is like a final, taking on the fourth-placed Wildcats at a sold-out State Basketball Centre, a win was pivotal for their finals hopes. 

The Phoenix celebrated Lunar New Year and Reuben Te Rangi’s 300th NBL game.

After a big win over the JackJumpers on Wednesday night, Phoenix came out of the blocks with Ryan Broekhoff going on an 8-0 run on his own.

The Wildcats fought back in the second quarter, scoring 33 to Phoenix 34. 

Wildcats remained in the fight in the thid before it was party time for the Phoenix in the fourth as they secured the win by 21 points and cemented their spot in the top six.

Phoenix is back at the State Basketball Centre on Wednesday night for another sold-out game and their final home game for the regular season for another challenging game against the Cairns Taipans.

(Phoenix grab an important win over Wildcats on Sunday afternoon.)

The Result

South East Melbourne Phoenix 112 - 91 Perth Wildcats

The Numbers

Phoenix
Williams: 27 points, 14 rebounds, six assists
Broekhoff: 26 points, five rebounds
Creek: 20 points, eight rebounds

Wildcats
Cotton: 25 points

The Turning Point

Williams Dominance

With the Wildcats closing in in the third quarter, the Phoenix got the ball to Big Sauce and let him cook. Williams hit the scoreboard building the Phoenix lead to 10. 

The Play of the Game

Rowdy Three’s

Broekhoff was on fire in the first half, shooting 6 of 9 from deep,  finishing with 26 points. 

Player of the Game

Alan Williams

Williams monstered the Wildcats from the tip, unstoppable at both ends of the court; he finished with a double-double with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and added six assists.

(Te Rangi played his 300th NBL game on Sunday.)

From the Coach

Simon Mitchell

"Going into the game, their rebounding had improved, and we thought we could dominate in that area. We are number one in that area, and the boys did; credit to them."

From the Player

Reuben Te Rangi

"Just taking it one game at a time, it's all in our hands. We figured out what we needed to do in Tasmania and kept fighting."

Phoenix Media (22/1/23)