Slow Start Sinks Phoenix

The Phoenix jumped out of the blocks early in the first quarter leading 10-2, before United worked their way back into the contest.

The first quarter was a low-scoring affair, with the Phoenix producing one of their worst shooting quarters of the season, making just 6/22 in the first quarter.

United got on a roll early in the second and got the lead out to 17 before a late rally from the Phoenix got the lead down to nine before a late bucket from United had the margin at 11 at the main break.

The Phoenix hung around in the third but couldn’t get the margin under 9, then just before the three-quarter time break Trey Kell had a three to cut the margin to 10, and a three-point play to United made the lead 16 before a Gary Browne jumper cut it to 14 at the break.

The final stanza was more similar, with the Phoenix never quote getting the lead under 10. A poor first quarter hurt the visitors, as they never returned to the game.

Phoenix have a two-day break before travelling to Gippsland to take on the Sydney Kings for the first time this season for their Indigenous Round game on Sunday.

The Result

South East Melbourne Phoenix 76 - Melboure United 92

The Numbers

Phoenix
Creek 22 points, 10 rebounds.
Trey Kell III 16 points, 4 rebounds
Alan Williams 15 points, 12 rebounds.

United

Tucker 33 points

The Turning Point

Shooting 6/22 is never going to get it done; the first quarter was one of the worst offensive efforts from the Phoenix all season. From then, they played catch up and could never quite close enough.

Play of the Game

Midway through the third, Gary Browne drove down the lane and threw a pass fake that had two United defenders biting before finishing with the finger roll.

Player of the Game

Trey Kell never stopped trying for the Phoenix, but Mitch Creek laid it all on the line for South East Melbourne; he finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds in 38 minutes.

From the Coach

Simon Mitchell

“Our finishing around the rim has been a problem in the games we’ve played against United. We lost our focus after a few none calls, and we just need to be better.”

From the Player

Alan Williams

“They did a good job of being physical, we weren’t physical enough, and that’s on me.”

Very limited tickets left for Phoenix's Indigenous game in Gippsland. CLICK HERE to not miss out!

Phoenix Media (15/12/22)