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


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

22 May
Off-Season Player Wrap Week 8

19 May
Past Experiences Define Kelly

18 May
Heartland Hoops Bringing the Fun These School Holidays

17 May
The Backbone of Phoenix Game Days

16 May
Off-Season Player Wrap Week 7

15 May
Phoenix Official Supporter of the Sport Volunteer Coalition Action Plan

13 May
More Than Meets the Eye to Ayre Homecoming

12 May
Kelly to Round Out "Offensive Juggernaut"

10 May
Kick-off National Volunteer Week With The Heartland Crew

9 May
Off-Season Player Wrap Week 6

8 May
Sam Mackinnon interview (May 8, 2023)

8 May
Phoenix Signs Sam Mackinnon as Assistant Coach

4 May
Foxwell Shining For Eltham Wildcats in NBL1

3 May
Kelly Vision Draws Ayre to South East Melbourne

2 May
Ben Ayre Interview (May 2, 2023)

2 May
Ben Ayre Highlights (May 2, 2023)
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.
