News Article

Phoenix too strong for 36ers at Blitz

13 Sep

3 mins read

Written By

Dale Fletcher

2024 NBL Blitz campaign ends in defeat on the Gold Coast

Adelaide 36ers have gone down to South East Melbourne Phoenix 101-49 to complete the NBL Blitz campaign at the Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre on Friday afternoon.

With HoopsFest just eight days away, the 36ers decided to rest Isaac Humphries, DJ Vasiljevic, Kendric Davis and Jason Cadee ahead of the opening round against Sydney Kings.

The starting line-up had a distinct South Australian flavour, with Nick Marshall, Ben Griscti, Lat Mayen and Tom Kubank elevated into the opening quintet alongside Sunday Dech.

Kubank opened the scoring swishing a three-pointer, but the Phoenix caught fire from beyond the arc early to open a 14-5 lead.

The 36ers offense misfired early, but was kickstarted by Alex Starling, who scored back-to-back baskets then found Jacob Rigoni for a three-pointer, but the Phoenix took a 24-14 lead into quarter time.

Adelaide looked to attack the basket to start the second quarter, but the Phoenix continued to score as their lead grew to 36-16.

The shooting percentage was the main difference in the game, Adelaide only connecting on just 28 per cent of shots from the field in the opening half as South East Melbourne took a 51-27 lead into the main interval.

South East Melbourne continued their hot shooting form in the third quarter as Rigoni made an impact, who paired 12 points with six rebounds, but the Phoenix too control of the contest.

Marshall, who scored a team-high 14 points to go with eight rebounds, looked to take over the offense but the 36ers shooting woes continued for the entire 40 minutes.

With the pre-season campaign now complete, the 36ers will now focus on the opening round match against Sydney Kings on Sunday, September 22 at RAC Arena in Perth.

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 101 (Ayre 15, Glover 14, Wieskamp 11) def ADELAIDE 36ERS 49 (Marshall 14, Rigoni 12) at Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre.

BOX SCORE