THE SEM Phoenix lifted in the second quarter to win by one point at John Cain Arena against the Tasmania JackJumpers in the NBL on Saturday night. The Phoenix were able to secure the much-needed victory after a couple of rocky losses despite still missing some key personnel.

The JackJumpers controlled the game for majority of the first quarter, whilst Phoenix struggled to hit shots offensively. The Phoenix were able to get patches of scoring runs going, stopping the flow that the JackJumpers found easily in the first quarter, with Phoenix winning the second quarter, 25-20.

The Phoenix were able to lift in the points from turnovers category (9-2), whilst also on top of the fast break points (7-1). The JackJumpers were on top of the rebounding count, with 15 defensive rebounds compared to the Phoenix’s nine.

Jordan Crawford was instrumental in the first half, finding the open lane and driving to the basket, hitting tough three-pointers, finishing the half with 17 points, whilst Mitch Creek lifted in the second quarter, finishing the first two periods with 11 points.

In the second half, whilst both teams continued their momentum swings of scoring leads, the game went down to the wire. The Phoenix hit some tough baskets down the stretch, and while the JackJumpers remained in the match until the dying stages, fell short.

Majok Deng jumped on a rebound and was fouled by Creek, given the opportunity to send the game to overtime. However, he missed a free throw in the closing seconds to tie up the game, with South East Melbourne escaping with an 86-85 win.

Phoenix guard Gary Browne top-scored with 20 points and had some big plays when the game was on the line. He took advantage of the fact that Tasmania did not double him at times, and took on the one-on-one defender.

Crawford built on a strong performance earlier in the round to finish the game with 27 points, three rebounds and six assists to continue his hot form of late.

South East Melbourne coach Mike Kelly said beating one of the best teams in the JackJumpers.

“It came down to one possession,” he said. “It was a bit of a grind and I think both teams played super hard and went at each other. I thought our guys fought and capitalised on every mistake and knocked down threes.

“It was a good fight. Our guys kept going and that’s been our mindset, which is to play each possession.”

Browne spoke about his team’s third quarter and the turnaround after a gritty first half.

“I think we get better when we play defence,” he said. “I think any team in the league they get going by playing defence. Tassie, one of the top teams, they keep the game on steady and being aggressive and when we are committed and play hard, good things will happen.”