Phoenix Finish Blitz With a Win Over United

South East Melbourne Phoenix has closed its pre-season NBL Blitz campaign with a thrilling two-point win over cross-town rivals Melbourne United.

Without Chinese big man Zhou Qi, who was on national duties, the Phoenix toughed out a topsy-turvy battle to outlast the defending champions 89-87.

Ryan Broekhoff was the hero, draining four three pointers in a tick over two minutes during the last quarter as United threatened to pull away.

(Broekhoff had a dominant second half against United.)

He finished with a team-high 21 points to go with seven rebounds and six three-pointers in a display that will give him huge confidence on the eve of the new season.

Coach Simon Mitchell delved deep into his rotation early, using 10 players in the first quarter alone.

Cam Gliddon provided the early highlight, cleaning up a missed Kyle Adnam (10 points) three with a silky put back as the quarter-time buzzer sounded.

That bucket reduced the margin to five - 25-20 - at the break and it was the Phoenix who started the better in the second, eating into the United lead with a series of well-executed offensive plays laced, with several key stops at the other end.

Broekhoff and Izayah Le’Afa (11 points, 4 assists) found their range, each hitting morale-boosting treys as Phoenix tied it at halftime, 44 a piece.

(Izayah Le'afa attempts a layup in the NBL Blitz game against United.)

This was despite an 18-point first-half barrage from United sharpshooter Chris Goulding, who would finish with a game-high 26 points.

By the long break, all 10 South East Melbourne players who had taken the floor had made at least one basket as the Phoenix shared the load.

Little separated the teams throughout the third quarter but, If Gliddon’s first-quarter buzzer-beater was impressive, captain Adnam’s was out of this world.

As time expired on the third, Adnam launched from the wrong side of the halfway line, the ball touching nothing but twine as he flipped a two-point deficit into a one-point lead, 70-69.

It set up a grandstand finish in what was arguably the best game of the pre-season Blitz.

Mitch Creek (18 points) was a problem for United all game, using his athleticism and strength to burst into the lane, resulting in tough finishes and free throws that helped his side keep pace with the defending champions.

(Mitch Creek ended the day with 18 points in 24 minutes of play.)

DP Tristan Forsyth had the Phoenix bench on its feet in full voice, working hard to contain United big men Lual-Acuil and Ariel Hukporti in limited time and willing his way to the offensive glass, scoring 7 points and ripping down six boards in just 10 minutes of action.

United big men Jo Lual-Acuil (10 points, 10 rebounds) and Ariel Hukporti (13 points) had strong games, as did guard Shea Ili (13 points).

The Phoenix finished the Blitz with a 2-2 record and will now set their sights on their first regular season game against the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday, December 4, 8pm at John Cain Arena.

Phoenix Media (28/11/2021)