The South East Melbourne Phoenix delivered a powerful message to the NBL competition, securing a commanding 108-89 victory over the league-leading Adelaide 36ers during the final day of HoopsFest at Perth's RAC Arena.
Cotton's Homecoming Overshadowed by Phoenix Surge
A large crowd, many there to witness the return of five-time MVP Bryce Cotton to his former home court, saw the star guard put up 30 points and six assists. However, his individual brilliance was not enough to counter a cohesive team performance from the visiting Phoenix. The win allowed South East Melbourne to tighten the race for the top spot on the NBL ladder.
Clark and Foxwell Step Up in Sobey's Absence
Missing key player Nathan Sobey due to illness, the Phoenix found heroes elsewhere. Ian Clark was superb, leading the scoring with 27 points, while Owen Foxwell produced an excellent all-round game with 15 points and 12 assists. Their efforts ensured the team didn't miss a beat despite the significant absence.
Adelaide started the match strongly but were quickly overwhelmed by a decisive 16-0 scoring run from the Phoenix. This established a 10-point lead by the end of the first quarter, a margin Adelaide struggled to erase for the remainder of the contest.
Phoenix Defence Halts Fourth-Quarter Cotton Magic
By halftime, Cotton had 16 points but his 36ers still faced a 10-point deficit. The situation worsened for Adelaide when Cotton picked up his fourth foul late in the third quarter. Entering the final term with 23 points, he saw his team trailing by 12 points.
Perth fans are familiar with Cotton's ability to dominate fourth quarters and snatch victory, but the Phoenix were determined to prevent any such heroics. They exploded early in the final term, extending their lead to a game-high 25 points and effectively ending the contest.
The result was a significant statement from the Phoenix. Not only did they spoil the homecoming of one of the league's biggest stars, but they also proved they could convincingly beat the top team while shorthanded. The victory keeps them firmly in second place and within striking distance of the ladder-leading 36ers as the NBL season progresses.
