36ers deliver Christmas cheer in win over Phoenix

Adelaide 36ers have won their third consecutive match, stopping the South East Melbourne Phoenix 94-88 on Christmas Eve at the Entertainment Centre.

The 36ers, led by Robert Franks, Antonius Cleveland and Daniel Johnson, had to fight for the full 40 minutes to grind out the six-point victory and now go to a 9-8 win-loss record.

Franks had 20 points and eight rebounds, while Johnson also added 20 points with seven rebounds and Cleveland had a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds to go with five assists and five steals.

The Phoenix, coming off a 104-77 win against the Bullets in Brisbane on Wednesday night, started like a side who had won four of their past five matches, Kyle Adnam connecting on a three-pointer for an early 9-4 lead.

Adelaide was sparked by Franks, as the 36ers hit back to lead 18-17, but Adnam continued to fire the Phoenix, scoring 11 opening quarter points as the visitors took a 32-26 lead at the first break.

South East Melbourne extended their lead to double figures early in the second quarter, but Johnson took over at the offensive end, scoring 13 first half points as Adelaide cut the lead to 40-36.

Adnam continued his great night, sticking another triple as the Phoenix opened up their lead to 45-38, but captain Mitch McCarron came to life, as Adelaide went on a 7-0 run to tie the game.

Adelaide’s defense improved in the second quarter, holding the Phoenix to just 15 points and when McCarron made a tough layup on the buzzer, the home took a 49-47 lead into the main break.

Franks made a tough three-point play to start the third quarter as the home side turned up the heat in transition, Adelaide opening up a 62-55 lead.

But the Phoenix fired back into the contest, attacking the hoop at will and when Tohi Smith-Milner hit from beyond the arc, the visitors had the lead back 64-63.

Johnson put the home side on his shoulders late in the third quarter, scoring seven points late as Adelaide took a 72-69 lead into the final 10 minutes.

Cleveland came to life in the final quarter as the 36ers built a double-digit lead at 81-71, Franks connected on a three-pointer and McCarron drove hard to the basket and the home crowd roared with approval of the 14-point lead.

South East Melbourne never gave up and had one final push for victory, a Creek three-pointer cut the margin to 89-83 with two minutes remaining.

McCarron was everywhere for 16 points and four rebounds, but Creek, who had a game-high 24 points, then cut the margin to four with just over 60 seconds left.

Adelaide held their nerve from the free throw line in the final minutes to give their fans a Merry Christmas.

ADELAIDE 36ERS 94 (Franks 20, Johnson 20, McCarron 16) def SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 88  (Creek 24, Adnam 18, Smith-Milner 14) at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

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