VMT MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Look to Bounce Back in Home Opener

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 0-1 (6th) vs PERTH WILDCATS 1-0 (3rd)
Where: The Fire Pit at John Cain Arena
When: Sunday, October 1 at 4pm AEDT
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Thursday night’s loss against cross-town rivals Melbourne United gave the team, and coaches, a yardstick to build from moving forward.

But the nature of the season means they’ll have 72 hours to kick their wounds and make amends, facing the Perth Wildcats on Sunday.

Perth are coming off a six-point win over the Tasmania JackJumpers, with a massive game had by Jordan Usher with 35-points.

The Phoenix back office is stacked with former Perth staff, namely head coach Mike Kelly and his deputy Luke Brennan.

(Gary Browne is back in the side after missing Thursday night's game with hip soreness.)

Teams

Phoenix

Gary Browne will suit up for tomorrow's home opener after missing Thursday night's season opener with hip soreness.

Alan Williams continues to recover from a knee injury and will be replaced by Tyler Cook.

While, other big man Gorjok Gak will again miss tomorrow’s game and will be replaced by development player, Anzac Rissetto.

Wildcats 

Perth will be without Kyle Zunic due to a foot injury and will be replaced by Michael Harris.

While, Tai Webster is also out with a lower leg injury and is replaced by DP Dontae Russo-Nance.

Keep an Eye On

Ben Ayre

Ayre provided the spark needed for the Phoenix in Thursday night’s game 1. After only scoring two points in the first-half, he produced a 15 point second half and kept them in the game.

Ayre is dangerous when he gets the space but also when face to face with his opposition. Providing both the defensive work and offensive when needed.

(Ayre was the spark for Phoenix on Thursday night and will be huge in his first Phoenix home game on Sunday.)

Bryce Cotton

Last season’s league leader of points averaged 23.4 points and MVP finalist, he is the Perth’s go-to guy in any situation. Cotton was that guy in last season’s play-in qualifier with a 20-point final quarter catapulting Perth to the win and seeing Phoenix out of post-season.

History

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 6-8 Wildcats

Last time out – Play-In Qualifier, NBL23
Phoenix 99-106 Wildcats

Phoenix
Creek 24p
Browne 20p
Williams 16p

Wildcats
Cotton 26p
Manek 24p
Thomas 13p

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