IN A blockbuster potential finals preview, the SEM Phoenix were able to get the job done out west in the National Basketball League (NBL), defeating the Perth Wildcats by one point at RAC Arena on Thursday night.

It was shaping as a huge matchup in the context of the season, with both the Phoenix and the Wildcats vying for a postseason position in the coming rounds, and although Perth had a significant home court advantage, South East Melbourne had shown its defensive identity was capable of travelling on the road throughout the fixture.

Although it was a poor first half showing from the visitors, the Phoenix were able to rally late in the piece, overcoming a 16-point deficit to storm home in Western Australia and pip the Wildcats by a single point in a thriller.

Perth Wildcats (76) def. by South East Melbourne Phoenix (77)

The Phoenix are typically a high-scoring team, but could not get their offence going in the first half at RAC Arena, with Perth storming out to a hefty lead. The Wildcats dominated proceedings in the opening 20 minutes, with the home crowd rallying behind a strong showing from the hosts who were firmly in control of the match.

South East Melbourne managed just 26 points in the first half of play in a disappointing level of output, albeit in enemy territory. At the main change, the Wildcats boasted a handy 14-point lead and had all the momentum on their side.

The game turned in the third frame, with big man Jordan Hunter becoming a perimeter presence to spark some offensive production from the Phoenix. Hunter’s three-point barrage dragged South East Melbourne back into the contest, and at three-quarter time, the margin was slashed down to just three points.

After Hunter’s efforts set up a thrilling finish, it was star guard and MVP candidate Nathan Sobey who stepped up for the Phoenix in the final frame. Although he had been quiet over the first three quarters, the veteran guard stepped up with some clutch makes, and with his team down by a point in the final seconds, made a winning play.

As expected, Sobey was heavily guarded by the opposition on the final possession, and instead of forcing up a shot, he dished the ball off to an open John Brown III, who sank the midrange jumper from the free throw line to hand the Phoenix the win and silence the crowd at RAC Arena.

It was a win built on the effort of the Phoenix, who overcame a slow offensive start to generate plenty of scoring opportunities in the second half. This was due to their work on the offensive glass, pulling down six more boards on that end, which resulted in 12 more shots than the Wildcats.

Hunter knocked down four three-pointers en route to 18 points for the match to go with eight rebounds in a match-winning performance, dragging his team back into the contest with a blistering third quarter when offence was tough to come by. Sobey was also crucial, finishing with 16 points and four triples of his own as the veteran continues his magnificent campaign.

Import David Duke Jr. was Perth’s most productive player, ending the contest with 21 points and playing a crucial role in getting the Wildcats out to a strong start. Also impressing was Elijah Pepper, who had 17 points and three boards of his own despite the loss.