Phoenix edge Kings in high-scoring affair

The Phoenix scored nine of the first 13 points to tie the game up at 72-all before a Wieskamp triple gave them their first lead since the opening term. Another long-range bomb by the latter, quickly followed by one by Hurt saw their advantage blow out to seven midway through the term. Timely scores by Toohey and Jaylin Galloway stemmed the run for the Kings before a triple by the former restored the Kings’ lead. Down the stretch, the foes exchanged scores, before South East led 89-88 at the end of three. 

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A 14-4 run to open the period by South East pushed their lead out to 11, with a clutch triple by Oliver stopping the bleeding temporarily. But another seven unanswered points ensued from South East. Their three-point barrage showed no signs of slowing down, as Nathan Sobey got in on the act. In the end, the Victorian-based side ran out winners 113-101. 

Where the match was decided 

South East secured the win on the back of statistical victories in field goal percentage (54-44), rebounds (40-36), points in the paint (44-22) and fast-break points (17-12).

Key moment  

A 50-33 second half by the Phoenix set up their 12-point win at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.

Player of the game 

In his first appearance on the Gold Coast, Toohey was the star for the Kings with 26 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.

Other standouts were Oliver (19 points, six boards, two dimes and two blocks) and Bruce (11 points, two assists, one board and one steal).

What’s next 

Brian Goorjian’s team, who are 1-1 on the Gold Coast, next face New Zealand on Friday, September 13 in game three of their NBL25 Blitz campaign. 

The fixture will be shown live on Kayo Sports.