United Edge Out Phoenix in Throwdown XVI

South East Melbourne has suffered a heartbreaking loss despite another brilliant Throwdown clash with Melbourne United.

The Phoenix threw everything at United and just fell at the final hurdle after failing to hold on to a double-digit lead, going down 90-88.

Star centre Zhou Qi came out like a man on a mission, scoring the first six points of the game for Phoenix and reaching double figures before the end of the first quarter with a variety of dunks, layups and low post moves that would have made Hakeem Olajuwon proud.

But the Phoenix turned it over three times in the first two and a half minutes and that was the difference at the first break as United led 29-24.

Xavier Munford sparked the comeback in the second, scoring eight points in quick time, before Mitch Creek awoke from his slumber, pouring in eight of his own — including the last four of the half — to put the Phoenix in front, 46-45.

The three-headed monster of Creek, King Zhou and X each had double digits at the long break, while Brandon Ashley provided punch off the bench with seven.

(Mitch Creek and Jack White contest for the ball.)

Phoenix started the second half as it did the game — hitting big Zhou for a finish in the lane and he did not disappoint.

Enter Reuben Te Rangi. Known for his stifling defence, the Kiwi turned it on in a quick stretch, scoring twice at the basket and then hitting from the deep for seven straight points and when Zhou put in another bucket, the Phoenix lead was double digits.

The only thing that could stop Te Rangi was a fourth foul, which forced him to sit. The Phoenix stayed with it though and took a seven-point buffer into the last.

In an incredible finish, both teams launched a three-point barrage, trading seven of them in a three-minute period as the lead went back and fourth.

But top-of-the-table United had the composure to take it out late.

Ryan Broekhoff pushed hard to be on the floor, but club medicos deemed he should wait on his sore shoulder, while sharpshooter Cam Gliddon was ruled out with gastro.

It meant youngster Owen Foxwell was called on early in the game. The teenage guard impressed, draining a three from the corner before drawing a foul on United gun Goulding as he went to the rack.

The 18-year-old has a bright future, with Australian junior representation and the prospect of college ball in the USA.

Lachie Barker also enjoyed some time on the floor and his hustle was a feature.

(Xavier Munford shows desperation to get to the rim.)

The Result

South East Melbourne Phoenix 88-90 Melbourne United

The Numbers

Phoenix

Creek: 20 points

Zhou: 17 points, 7 rebounds

Munford: 14 points

United

Goulding: 20 points

White: 14 points

Lual-Acuil Jr: 13 points, 11 rebounds

The Turning Point

Reuben Te Rangi

He only scored 10 points, but seven of those came in a brilliant stretch that gave the Phoenix hope that they could end their tough slide. It didn’t happen for the ‘Nix, but Te Rangi locked in defensively and this could be the start of a bigger slice of the offence.

(Owen Foxwell showed his potential seeing 10 minutes of court time.)

The Player of the Game

Mitch Creek

Quiet in the first quarter with just three points, Creek stepped his game up in the second and it was no coincidence the Phoenix lifted as a collective. Creek is the heart of this team and he will be hurting as much as anyone, but he can hold his head high after another big effort.

The Play of the Game

Zhou Qi

Pick one from Big Zhou. He turns into a different beast when he takes the floor against United and he had the opposition’s number. His nifty footwork in the first quarter froze Lual-Acuil and gave him the easiest of access to the basket. More of this, thanks Zhou.

(Zhou Qi was in good form for the Phoenix.)

From the Coach

“We’ve got a lot to play for. We’ve ony won one of our past eight games, but we’ve been in every one of them. For us it’s clearly motivation to continue to get better, to try to arrest the issues we face and move forward. We’ve got a ton of motivation, this isn’t a situation where all is lost, we’ve thrown in the kit bag and said that’s enough for us, were fighting our tails off.”

-Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell on the disappointment of the loss.

From the Player

“A tough loss is always deflating for myself and I’m sure for the group, but you’re a basketball player, you’ve got to move on to the next one, put it behind you. Check the film and keep getting better.”

-Xavier Munford on the loss and how the Phoenix plan to bounce back.

(Phoenix Media 07/04/2022)