The Adelaide 36ers secured a 108-96 victory over the South East Melbourne Phoenix in a National Basketball League clash at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. This home triumph provided a crucial boost for the 36ers' playoff positioning, as they pulled away in the second half to overcome a determined Phoenix side. The match began with a high-tempo exchange, with both teams trading baskets in an offensively charged first quarter. Adelaide managed to establish a slight edge by halftime, but the contest remained tight. The decisive run came in the third period, where the 36ers' defense intensified, creating turnovers that fueled a series of fast-break scores to extend their lead to double digits. The Phoenix fought to close the gap in the final quarter, but Adelaide's consistent scoring and control of the boards ensured they maintained a comfortable advantage until the final buzzer. A key focus point was the performance of Adelaide's backcourt, which combined for efficient scoring and playmaking, effectively neutralizing South East Melbourne's perimeter threats. The result sees Adelaide climb the NBL ladder, strengthening their hold on a postseason berth, while the Phoenix will rue missed opportunities that could have kept them in the hunt for a higher seed. Post-match, the Adelaide coach praised his team's defensive effort in the second half, stating it was the foundation of their win. The South East Melbourne coach acknowledged his team's struggle to contain Adelaide's transition game as the turning point. The starting lineups featured Adelaide's core of Dejan Vasiljevic and Antonius Cleveland alongside Isaac Humphries, while the Phoenix relied on the scoring of Mitch Creek and Gary Browne.