Phoenix-Bullets Shoot a Thriller on the Gold Coast

South East Melbourne Phoenix wrapped up their two-game pre-season road trip on the Gold Coast on Sunday with a thriller against the Bullets, going down 100-102.

Brisbane held a slender lead with seconds left to play before the Phoenix caused a gripping ending, with sharpshooter Kendall Stephens narrowly missing a potential game-winning three-pointer at the death.

It was another high-scoring performance from both sides, with lead changes and momentum swings going both ways throughout the afternoon.

Mitch Creek was at his dominant best once again, collecting 29 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal.

(Creek looks set for another huge season)

The star forward looks to be in incredible physical shape and put the league on notice over the weekend’s two fixtures, averaging a whopping 30 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.5 steals.

Cam Gliddon found his groove in the first quarter, dropping 12 of his 17 points in the term to get his side off to a hot start.

The shooting guard looked comfortable alongside his new teammates and made an impact on both ends of the floor, also grabbing four steals and menacing the Bullets defensively.

Reuben Te Rangi enjoyed a breakout performance playing several roles, with 16 points (6-9 / 4 triples), 3 rebounds, a steal and a block.

(Te Rangi's versatility makes him a valuable member of the squad)

Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell labelled Te Rangi a “swiss army knife” earlier this year and he proved it today, playing centre in small-ball line-ups after featuring in a point-forward type role on Friday.

Young big Tristan Forsyth (10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists) was thrust into an increased role with Yanni Wetzell in foul trouble and showed real promise competing with the likes of Harry Froling and Matt Hodgson.

Kyle Adnam poured in another 18 points while Kendall Stephens dropped 10.

FULL STATS

Import duo Keifer Sykes and Ben Moore are set to join the team in Melbourne this week and will be a huge boost to what is already a versatile and exciting squad.

The Phoenix will now return home to continue preparing for the NBL21 season, which tips off on January 10 against Melbourne United.

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (20/12/2020)