A LONG-range shooting display from Phoenix MVP candidate Nathan Sobey helped steer South East Melbourne to an impressive 15-point victory over Cairns Taipans on New Year’s Eve. In the final NBL game of the 2025 calendar year, the Phoenix overcame an early challenge to shrug off the last placed Snakes and come away with the 111-96 victory.

South East Melbourne Phoenix (111) def. Cairns Taipans (96)

In front of just under 5000 people packed into the Cairns Convention Centre, South East Melbourne Phoenix fought back from a seven-point quarter time deficit – and by as much as 11 points at one stage – to come away with the win. The Snakes lead 28-21 after 10 minutes, but the Phoenix clawed their way back into it and put the foot down after half-time.

The visitors scored 35-26 in a high-scoring third stanza, before the Phoenix shut down Cairns’ offence to only concede 18 points while adding a further 28 points to their own tally. After quarter time, the Phoenix scored 90 points to 68 in a convincing end to 2025 and keep their top two aspirations alive.

Sobey was on fire from long-range, draining five triples from 11 attempts, and finishing with a double-double of 10 assists to go with 31 points. He also notched up four steals and three rebounds in another head-turning performance that keeps him in contention for the MVP race.

He was well supported by the other starters though as they all hit double-figure points. Jordan Hunter (19 points, five rebounds and two assists) was one of three to pull in five boards. Owen Foxwell (17 points, six assists and five rebounds) and Wes Iwundu (15 points, five rebounds and two assists) also did that, while John Brown III recorded five steals and three rebounds with 12 points. In his second game for the Phoenix, Ian Clark only spent 9:23 on the court, but scored nine points in that time.

For the Taipans, Jack McVeigh rarely wasted his opportunities, shooting at 70 per cent from the field (7/10) including three of five from long-range. His five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal was great for the incredibly gifted shooter. Andrew Andrews (17 points, nine assists and seven rebounds) stuffed the stats sheet, though he also had a game-high six turnovers. Sam Waardenburg (22 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks) was the other standout.

Cairns has a three-day turnaround before heading to Wollongong on Saturday to face Illawarra Hawks, while the Phoenix have an extended break until January 5 where they go to Qudos Bank Arena to tackle the in-form Sydney Kings.