IN THE highest scoring clash of the 2025/26 National Basketball League (NBL), the SEM Phoenix escaped Qudos Bank Arena with a seven-point win over the Adelaide 36ers on Monday night, in a battle between two contenders.

Both the Phoenix and the Kings have been in terrific form over the past month, and are shaping as two of the heavyweight sides in the current race for the championship, which is coming to a head in the back half of the fixture.

With a combined 241 points scored for the match, it was South East Melbourne prevailing to further its standing inside the top two, emerging with a win that could prove crucial within the context of its championship quest.

Sydney Kings (117) def. by South East Melbourne Phoenix (124)

The tone was set in the first frame, with both sides playing with freedom and showing plenty of productivity on the offensive end. Both Sydney and South East Melbourne are amongst the highest scoring teams in the NBL, and put that on display in the first 10 minutes of Monday’s encounter. At the end of the term, it was the home side leading 35-31 as fans at Qudos Bank Arena were treated to a scoring bonanza.

In a huge blow to Sydney’s chances, big man Xavier Cooks suffered an ankle injury early in the second quarter, and was ruled out of the remainder of the game as a result. The former MVP has been in electric form of late, so it was a massive hit to the Kings. Tensions boiled over in the same quarter with Tim Soares and John Brown III coming face to face in a feisty moment, and at the main break, the Kings still held a one-point buffer despite Cooks’ absence.

Coming out of the main change, Nathan Sobey looked a man possessed, completely taking over on the offensive end with an explosive third quarter performance. He started the second half on fire, and led the Phoenix to a remarkable double-digit lead in the penultimate period. Although Sydney rallied in the closing stages of the quarter, the visitors held onto a three-point lead, with their star guard flipping the game on its head.

There were big baskets traded in the first few minutes of the fourth frame, and it still looked as if it could be anyone’s game as the end of the match approached. Once again, Sobey proved the difference with a massive and-one play in the final minutes of the contest to give the Phoenix some breathing space, and South East Melbourne was able to hold on for a win.

It was another strong performance from Sobey, with the veteran guard remaining a dark horse for the MVP award in the coming months and continuing to prove South East Melbourne’s most important player. He ended the game with 26 points, seven boards and five assists, forming a damaging partnership with big man Jordan Hunter, who had 23 points of his own in the win.

Sydney’s main man in Kendric Davis was at his brilliant best for the Kings despite the loss at Qudos Bank Arena. Although he was fouled out late in the piece, he was still absolutely dominant for the home side, dropping another 30-piece, this time doing it on remarkable efficiency by nailing 11 of his 13 attempts from the field.