South East Melbourne Phoenix put on an offensive clinic on Saturday, defeating Adelaide 36ers 108-94 in a high-scoring National Basketball League clash. The Phoenix used a dominant third quarter to break open a close game and never looked back.
Match overview
South East Melbourne led 28-24 after the first quarter and extended the advantage to 54-46 at halftime. The Phoenix blew the game open with a 30-23 third quarter, pushing the lead to 15. Adelaide won the fourth quarter 25-24, but the deficit was too large to overcome. The hosts finished with a balanced scoring effort and controlled the tempo throughout.
Key moments
- A 12-0 run early in the third quarter turned a single-digit lead into a commanding 18-point advantage.
- South East Melbourne hit four three-pointers in a three-minute span during the third period.
- Adelaide cut the lead to 10 in the fourth, but the Phoenix responded with a 7-0 burst to restore control.
Tactical story
The Phoenix played with pace and purpose, using pick-and-roll actions to create mismatches and open shooters. Their ball movement was crisp, and they consistently attacked closeouts. Adelaide 36ers struggled to contain South East Melbourne's perimeter attack and gave up too many second-chance points. The 36ers had success inside but could not string together enough defensive stops to mount a serious comeback.
Standout players
South East Melbourne's guards dictated the flow, combining for efficient scoring and playmaking. The Phoenix frontcourt controlled the boards and protected the rim. Adelaide's big men battled on the interior, but the team's defensive rotations were a step slow all night.
Season impact
The victory is a statement result for South East Melbourne Phoenix in the NBL standings and highlights their offensive potential. Adelaide 36ers will need to address their defensive consistency after conceding 108 points.