VMT MATCH REPORT: Phoenix Overran by a Full-Strength United
14 Dec
1
min read


A bumper crowd packed the Fire Pit at John Cain Arena, and despite blistering form heading into the third Throwdown of NBL24, the Phoenix couldn't hold the momentum against the ladder leading Melbourne United, falling 106-78.
United jumped the hosts taking a 17-point lead into the first break and never relinquished, outscoring the Phoenix in all-bar-one term and finishing with a 29-14 quarter.
It proved a battle of the big men, and in front of a sea of green, United's Jo Lual-Acuil Jnr recorded seven blocks, just shy of a league record, while at the other end Alan Williams continued his MVP-worthy form posting 12 points and 16 rebounds.
Gary Browne was instrumental in halting a further blowout, scoring a game-high 22 points alongside three rebounds.
The Phoenix will await on baited breath the injury report on Mitch Creek, the captain leaving the court with three minutes remaining in the game after some knee contact forced him to hobble.
Post-match head coach Mike Kelly said that if Creek pulled up too sore with the two-day turnaround before their next game, his captain wouldn't play against Illawarra.
Ben Ayre stepped seamlessly into the starters role that he had been eyeing off, another 11 points in 31 minutes of court time, while Rhys Vague made the most of his limited minutes, 3-4 from beyond the arc to finish with nine points on the night.
The Phoenix have less than 48 hours to lick their wounds, with the Hawks awaiting on Saturday.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src='https://cdn.nbl.com.au/embed/embed.html?url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5lrCtsZOx4' title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Full-Time Stats
Browne: 22p/2r/3a/2stl
Williams: 12p/16r/1a/1stl
Creek: 12p/6r/6a/1blk
Ayre: 11p/1r/2a/1stl
Vague: 9p/3r
Kenyon: 4p/8r
Te Rangi: 3p/1r/1stl/1blk
Foxwell: 3p/2r/2a/2stls
Gak: 2p/1r
Limited tickets remain for Saturday's game in Traralgon at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium against the Illawarra Hawks. - CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR SEAT

23 Feb
Sobey takes out Phoenix MVP for NBL26
Malique Lewis
John Brown
Nathan Sobey

19 Feb
STANLEY MATCH REPORT: A second half comeback by Phoenix falls short in Throwdown 32

19 Feb
It all comes down to the Throwdown

17 Feb
DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix ready for Throwdown finale with top-two spot in sight

17 Feb
Big guard, bigger dreams for Foster
Daniel Foster

16 Feb
Phoenix stars headline NBL Awards nominations
Nathan Sobey
John Brown
Angus Glover
Owen Foxwell

15 Feb
Sobey staying to finish "something special"
Nathan Sobey

14 Feb
Phoenix light it up for final home game

14 Feb
Sobey to extend career in the Heartland
Nathan Sobey

13 Feb
DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix celebrate the Heartland in final home clash against JackJumpers

12 Feb
Basketball's not all sunshine and 'Rosies'
Luke Rosendale

11 Feb
Built by community, playing for the Heartland
Ellis Biggar
Patrick Ryan
.jpg)
8 Feb
STANLEY MATCH REPORT: Kings down Phoenix in finals preview

7 Feb
DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix face off against Kings in top-two battle

6 Feb
For Josh King, only one thing matters
Malique Lewis

5 Feb
STANLEY MATCH REPORT: Second half blitz secure Phoenix win over Breakers
Support your team with the latest gear
Grab your latest team releases before they're gone.

Get the latest Team Updates
Breaking news & special offers. Direct to your inbox.
