The Key "Difference" in Phoenix Win

South East Melbourne has continued its early season resurgence with a dominant win over the Adelaide 36ers, and head coach Mike Kelly has pointed to a specific moment in the second quarter that defined the 17-point result.

The Phoenix and 36ers entered quarter time locked on 28 points apiece in a game that was quickly devolving into a shootout between the two sides, however a 26-14 second quarter laid the foundations for what proved to be a cruisy win for the away side.

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A 15-point run in the last five minutes of the second quarter blew the Phoenix’s lead out, and Adelaide only scored one basket in that same timeframe – a two-pointer from Jacob Wiley with 11 seconds to go.

“There’s a point where one team starts to impose their will a little bit on the game and we got a few stops in a row right there,” Kelly said post-game.

“We kind of forgot to defend and gave up a couple of and-ones.

“Adelaide’s a team that can score and has a lot of weapons and it was just kind of trading baskets until the second five minutes of that second quarter when the guys got some stops, multiple stops in a row and kept scoring freely.

“That was the difference, that five minutes right there.”

The returning Alan Williams was his usual self with 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Mitch Creek took home Foot Locker Player of the Game honours for his 23 points.

The starting backcourt of Gary Browne and Will Cummings also combined for 37 points and 13 assists for the Phoenix, but despite the number of high performers in the win, Kelly saved special praise for wing Matt Kenyon.

Kenyon arrived at the Phoenix from Tasmania this off-season, and chipped in with 11 points and 10 rebounds from the bench.

“Matt has been fantastic for us,” Kelly said. “He had a long time not playing in pre-season or practicing so his energy has been amazing.

“He plays hard every possession and does exactly what we ask of him and what the team needs, and I think it’s infectious.

“He was big time.”

The Phoenix are set to play the second game of their Round 4 double-header against Brisbane on Saturday night, CLICK HERE to secure your seats.