Phoenix Fall in Pre-Season Thriller

Ben Ayre looked to have given Phoenix a match winning lead (72-80) with 2:48 left on the clock, but Ian Clark exploded in the dying minutes of the game, hitting 13 points including a trio of three-pointers to give United the lead and eventual victory.

(Will Cummings brings the ball up the court.)

Phoenix had a chance to tie the game late after Owen Foxwell drained three free throws to bring the game back to life for his side, but time ran out for the Phoenix, eventually losing 89-86.

Despite being a United home game, the local south east crowd showed who have their hearts, with the colours arguably leaning towards the green and ash grey.

Mitch Creek led the way for the Phoenix, scoring at will throughout the game and reminding everyone why he was an MVP candidate last season, ending the night on 32 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.

(Craig Moller debuted for the Phoenix in restricted minutes.)

Will Cummings showed signs of why he has won multiple league MVPs throughout his career in high level leagues outside of the NBL, coming to life on both ends in his second appearance this pre-season, disrupting the United offence, stealing the ball and creating turnovers, while creating and finishing down the other end throughout the game.

Ben Ayre had some big moments throughout the night, matching up on Shea Ili. Ayre made some big shots in the third quarter to help Phoenix get back into the game, but his moment came late in the fourth, hitting back-to-back threes to seemingly give Phoenix a match-winning lead.

Phoenix will now turn their attention to the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast tipping off September 16 against the Tasmania JackJumpers.

FT Stats

Creek: 32pts/5r/2a/3stl

Cummings: 18pts/1r/3a/4stl

Ayre: 18pts/2a/2stl

Foxwell: 7pts/5r/1stl/1blk

Rissetto: 3pts/3r/1blk

Nai: 3ts/1r

Stattmann: 2pts/2r/2a

Vague: 2pts/2r/1stl

Moller: 1pt/2r

Rosendale: 5r/1stl