The Phoenix Sunshine Coast secured a hard-fought 84–78 victory over the Northside Wizards on June 6, 2026, in a clash that carried major implications for the Australia National Basketball League1 North standings. Playing on the road, Phoenix overcame a strong defensive start from the Wizards to claim their second consecutive away win, while the home side will rue a turnover-heavy fourth quarter that derailed what had been a competitive battle throughout.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams showed intensity. The first quarter was a defensive grind, with the Wizards taking a narrow 20–18 lead into the second period. Phoenix responded well in the second, using a 12–2 run to grab a 40–38 halftime advantage. The third quarter saw the visitors push their lead to as many as nine points, but the Wizards stormed back with an 11–0 burst to tie the game at 62 entering the fourth.

The decisive moments came in the final period. Northside’s offense stalled, committing five turnovers in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter. Phoenix capitalised, scoring 12 points off those miscues and building a 78–68 lead with under three minutes remaining. The Wizards cut the deficit to four points with 45 seconds left, but Phoenix guard Mitch Baker nailed a corner three-pointer with 20 seconds on the clock to seal the 84–78 victory.

Key Performers

• Mitch Baker (Phoenix Sunshine Coast): 24 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists – Baker was the game’s MVP, shooting 9-of-15 from the field and hitting 4-of-6 from beyond the arc.
• Liam Stone (Northside Wizards): 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks – The big man dominated the paint but fouled out late in the fourth quarter.
• Jesse Tran (Phoenix): 14 points, 11 assists, 5 steals – Tran’s playmaking and defensive pressure were critical in forcing Wizards turnovers.
• Ryan Parker (Northside): 18 points, 7 assists – Parker struggled from deep (1-of-6) but kept his team in the game with crafty drives.

Tactical Story

Northside Wizards head coach Matt Devlin tried to slow the game down by packing the paint and forcing Phoenix to beat them from range. For three quarters it worked, but as the visitors’ shooters found their rhythm, the Wizards’ defense began to bend. Phoenix, coached by Sarah Jennings, employed a switch-everything scheme that disrupted Northside’s pick-and-roll offense, leading to 17 total turnovers for the home side.

Rebounding was also a deciding factor. Phoenix grabbed 12 offensive boards compared to Northside’s 6, leading to 18 second-chance points. “We talked about being physical on the glass, and our guys delivered,” Jennings said after the game.

Season Impact

The win improves Phoenix’s record to 12–9 in the NBL1 North, keeping them in the top four of the standings. For the Wizards, who drop to 10–11, the loss is a setback in their bid to secure a playoff spot. The two teams will meet again on July 12 in what could be a crucial late-season rematch.

Next up for Phoenix is a home game against the South West Metro Pirates, while Northside travel to face the Ipswich Force on June 10.