IT WAS an impressive blowout victory in the National Basketball League (NBL) on Thursday night, as the SEM Phoenix handed Brisbane Bullets a 27-point loss when the two sides went head to head at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

The Phoenix came into the clash heavily favoured to get the job done against an undermanned Bullets outfit, despite being in enemy territory. The visitors had been searching for a four-quarter performance over recent weeks, and last night’s clash provided the perfect opportunity to do so and gain a percentage boosting win.

Taking control of the match from the outset, the Phoenix stormed home to an emphatic victory, in a performance that was built on immense defensive pressure, which proved far too much for the Bullets to handle.

Brisbane Bullets (76) def. by South East Melbourne Phoenix (103)

It did not take the Phoenix long to hit the lead in Queensland, storming out to a double-digit lead in the opening minutes of the match and immediately looked the better side. Along with their defensive pressure, the Phoenix were bringing plenty of offensive firepower, leading by eight points at the first change.

The Phoenix did not relent control of the match from there, leading by double-digits from then on and not allowing the Bullets the chance to drag themselves back into the contest. Essentially every Brisbane possession was under pressure, and the home side could not find much offensive cohesion, trailing by 16 at the main break.

The Bullets did well to respond coming out of half time, looking much stronger offensively as the hosts were finally able to get up some good looks. Although it was not a stark contrast, Brisbane was still able to win the third quarter and keep the margin at 13 points with 10 minutes to play in an improved effort.

Unfortunately for the home side, it was a dominant return to form for South East Melbourne to close out the match, with the visitors completely controlling the final frame. The Phoenix won the fourth quarter 29-15 and ended up cruising home to a massive win as they look to remain among the contenders for the 2025/26 season.

It was a tremendously balanced performance for the Phoenix, with five players scoring double-digits on the night, but it was big man Jordan Hunter who stood head and shoulders above the rest. He knocked down four triples en route to a game-high 24 points on 9/13 shooting from the field and a near-perfect 4/5 from long range.

For the Bullets, center Tyrell Harrison had a strong performance of his own despite the disappointing result. He posted 16 points – the most of any Brisbane player – seven rebounds and four assists, truing to spark something for the home side despite being against the run of play for the majority of the contest on Thursday night.