The South East Melbourne Phoenix bounced back emphatically from a midweek loss, dominating the Adelaide 36ers 97-77 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday, January 31, 2026. This was a statement road win for the Phoenix, who controlled the game from start to finish with a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense. Adelaide struggled to find any rhythm, shooting a poor percentage from the field as the Phoenix defenders swarmed every passing lane. South East Melbourne opened the game on a massive run and never looked back, extending their lead throughout the second half. The comprehensive nature of the victory allowed the Phoenix to rest key players in the fourth quarter, a luxury that will help as the season progresses. For the 36ers, the heavy home defeat was a significant setback in their quest for a playoff berth.