Undermanned Phoenix Outgunned by Hawks

The Phoenix exploded out of the blocks with a 10-2 start before the Hawks settled into the game.

The first half was a low-scoring, defensive arm wrestle, with the half-time score 42-35 to the Hawks. For the Hawks, it was the Phoenix's defensive pressure that made it difficult for them to score; for the Phoenix, it was a lack of options on the offensive end.

Still missing 3 of their starters, the Phoenix looked again to Kyle Adnam and Mitch Creek; however, neither could repeat their game one heroics.

A 13-point third quarter from the Phoenix saw them in a deep hole heading into the 4th, trailing 65-48.

Alan Williams and Junior Madut battled valiantly, while Creek got going in the last quarter, with the Phoenix outscoring the Hawks 24-20.

(Alan 'Big Sauce' Williams scored his first NBL double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.)

The Result

South East Melbourne Phoenix 72-85 Illawarra Hawks

The Numbers

Phoenix
Junior Madut 21 points, 7 rebounds
Alan Williams 13 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists
Mitch Creek 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists

Hawks
Tyler Harvey 22 points, 5 rebounds

The Turning Point

A 13 point third quarter.

With the Phoenix down just 7 points at the half, they struggled to find a consistent scoring option in the third quarter. Managing only 10 points, they faced a 17 point deficit and an uphill battle in the final quarter.

The Player of the Game

Junior Madut

In his second game of NBL basketball, Madut played a team-high 34 minutes and recorded an impressive stat line of 21 points and 7 rebounds.

(Junior Madut was the standout for Phoenix in the loss.)

The Play of the Game

Junior Madut put together a sequence  LeBron James would have been proud of, a chase-down block, altered another shot and then splashed a 3 from the corner. 

From the Coach

"The offensive end is going to be an issue for us until we get our full squad back. We've got a fair bit of firepower sitting on the sidelines."
—Simon Mitchell

From the Player

"I'm not too happy we lost, but a game like that is good for me personally, building my confidence."
—Junior Madut

Phoenix will celebrate teachers in their Teacher Appreciation Game this Saturday at the Fire Pit against the Cairns Taipans. CLICK HERE to secure your seat!

Phoenix Media (6/10/22)