Phoenix Overwhelm Wildcats to Secure Playoff Spot

Alexander Bebendorf

South East Melbourne Phoenix have booked their place in the playoffs after a commanding 111–94 victory over the Perth Wildcats in the Seeding Qualifier at John Cain Arena on Wednesday night.

The Phoenix’s trademark full-court pressure proved decisive, repeatedly disrupting Perth’s ball movement and forcing 17 turnovers across the night. That defensive pressure translated directly into offensive opportunities, with South East Melbourne finishing the game with a remarkable 28 more field goal attempts than the Wildcats.

Nathan Sobey led the way with 24 points and seven assists, while Owen Foxwell produced an impressive all-round performance with 18 points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals. Ian Clark added 16 points before limping off in the second half, while Angus Glover contributed 12.

Perth struggled to cope with the Phoenix intensity, particularly in the backcourt. Kristian Doolittle battled hard with 22 points but also committed five turnovers, while Dylan Windler added 13 points and seven assists. The Wildcats’ young guards Elijah Pepper and Ben Henshall found themselves under heavy pressure throughout the contest.

Despite an early burst of three-point shooting from Perth, South East Melbourne controlled the game from the first quarter onward. The home side led 35–29 after the opening term and steadily extended the margin, heading into halftime with a comfortable 64–47 advantage.

The Phoenix continued to dictate the tempo after the break, pushing the lead beyond 20 points during the third quarter and keeping Perth at arm’s length the rest of the way.

The win sends South East Melbourne straight into the playoff semi-finals, where they will face the second-seeded Adelaide 36ers in a best-of-three series.

Perth’s season is not over just yet. The Wildcats will host the winner of Melbourne United and the Tasmania JackJumpers in a second Play-In game on Saturday, with the victor advancing to face the top-seeded Sydney Kings.