IN WHAT could be a preview of the upcoming National Basketball League (NBL) finals series, the SEM Phoenix held off a fast-finishing Adelaide 36ers in an enthralling affair to close out Round 19 in memorable fashion.

Coming into Sunday afternoon’s clash at John Cain Arena, the Sixers needed to win to lock in a play-in spot, occupying sixth position, but still remaining a mathematical chance of slipping down to seventh if the Tasmania JackJumpers produce a monster win over the Cairns Taipans in the final round.

On the other hand, the Phoenix had already landed a spot in the postseason, but a win would keep them in the hunt for third spot thanks to a handy percentage lead over the Perth Wildcats, while also looking to fend off the Sydney Kings and lock in a double chance in the play-in.

It looked as if South East Melbourne would cruise home to a hefty win after a dominant first-half display, but the Sixers stormed home in the second half, and it was game on in the final minute of action. However, the comeback fell short, with Joe Wieskamp the hero for the Phoenix as the home side claimed a six-point win.

South East Melbourne Phoenix (105) def. Adelaide 36ers (99)

The Phoenix were irresistible in the first half, with Adelaide’s ill-discipline on the defensive end proving costly in the opening term, allowing South East Melbourne to generate 15 points from the free throw line in the first 10 minutes as the visitors trailed by seven at quarter time.

The Sixers did a great job to stay in the contest for most of the second quarter, looking to head into the main change still within striking distance. However, the Phoenix poured in the final eight points of the quarter to close out the first half in style. Adelaide did not pull down a single offensive rebound prior to half time and it was South East Melbourne that was completely in control of the match.

The Phoenix pushed their lead out to 23 to start the second half as it looked like the hosts were carrying the momentum into the second half. However, the Sixers completely flipped the script from that point on, outscoring the hosts 34-13 for the remainder of the term, including a remarkable 19-0 run that turned the game on its head, thanks to some big plays from Montrezl Harrell, who had 12 points and seven boards for the quarter. It was a two-point game heading into the final term as silence echoed around a stunned John Cain Arena crowd.

Adelaide took the lead for the first time late in the piece through Harrell, and there were some big plays down the stretch from both sides. Owen Foxwell hut a huge triple to put the home side back in front again, before Wieskamp delivered the play of the game that ultimately handed South East Melbourne the win.

The forward soared across to block Lat Mayen‘s driving layup down the stretch, and stormed down the other end for an open layup to put the finishing touches on a gutsy win for the Phoenix.

Veteran guard Nathan Sobey was at his brilliant best on the offensive end, posting 26 points, five rebounds and eight assists in a game-breaking performance, while Foxwell continued his breakout season with 22 points of his own and Matt Hurt produced 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Harrell was immense for the visitors and nearly dragged them over the line with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Kendric Davis was his usual damaging self with 23 points and seven assists.