South East Melbourne have saved their NBL playoffs hopes alive with a 112-91 defeat of in-form Perth however a groin harm to ex-NBA swingman Ryan Broekhoff will give the aspect trigger for concern.
The Phoenix got here into Sunday’s recreation seventh on the ladder with just one win to their title since Christmas and will all however kiss finals goodbye in the event that they misplaced – notably given robust video games with Cairns and Sydney await.
But the hosts led from the outset on the State Basketball Centre, beginning with a 12-3 run that featured two Broekhoff triples in fast succession.
While the Wildcats got here inside one level on three events later within the recreation, they by no means took the lead because the determined Phoenix had the higher of an offence-driven recreation.
They blew the scoreline out late and have to win their remaining two video games to maintain their finals future in their very own arms.
Former Dallas Maverick Broekhoff had six triples from 9 makes an attempt within the first half, going into the principle change with 22 factors, greater than he has scored in a full recreation all season.
He completed with 26 however appeared emotional throughout a timeout as he instructed coach Simon Mitchell he had tweaked his groin.
Broekhoff performed no additional half, with teammates consoling him courtside as he iced his harm. The Australian consultant was up on his ft after the sport.
While Broekhoff cooled off as the competition went on, the Phoenix had different avenues to basket.
Big man Alan Williams (27 factors, 14 rebounds, six assists) was a risk within the paint as South East Melbourne because the Phoenix kicked their behavior of dropping off in second quarters.
But the Wildcats are by no means out of a contest when three-time league MVP Bryce Cotton is at his finest and the guard saved his aspect within the battle with 25 factors and 4 assists.
The solely man who can rival Cotton for scoring this season, Phoenix star Mitch Creek (20 factors, six assists, eight rebounds) emerged from a quiet begin to the sport and took management within the fourth quarter as South East Melbourne went on with a giant win.
Perth’s Tai Webster limped off clutching his hamstring late within the recreation.
The loss snapped a three-game Wildcats successful streak however the West Australians stay within the playoffs image with 4 regular-season video games to play.
