{"id":38251,"date":"2024-01-18T17:21:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T07:21:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/?p=38251"},"modified":"2024-01-18T17:21:44","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T07:21:44","slug":"adelaide-annihilates-phoenix-in-powerful-performance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/adelaide-annihilates-phoenix-in-powerful-performance\/","title":{"rendered":"Adelaide annihilates Phoenix in powerful performance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ONE of the most impressive teams of the past month in the National Basketball League (NBL) has delivered again, with the Adelaide 36ers<\/a> handing the SEM Phoenix<\/a> a 25-point loss at State Basketball Centre on Wednesday night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kicking off the first match of Pride Round, it was an important game both teams. The home side has been in the midst of a disappointing bout of form lately. Once in a strong position to compete for a spot in the finals, the Phoenix are now in serious trouble of having their season ended in five rounds’ time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, the 36ers have claimed some big scalps of late, and although they lost in overtime against the Taipans last weekend, have put together a strong patch of form. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, their disappointing performances earlier in the season meant that the 36ers would need to win on Thursday to keep their season alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite being on the road, Adelaide was dominant, particularly in the first half, setting up a season-defining win and extending South East Melbourne’s misery even further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SEM Phoenix (85) def. by Adelaide 36ers (110)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It was as good a start as the 36ers could have asked for at State Basketball Centre, completely getting the jump on the Phoenix and grabbing a commanding lead early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adelaide outscored the opposition 34-23 in the first quarter, firing on all cylinders on the offensive end, before backing it up with a dominant 34-17 second term to head into the main break with a 28-point buffer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the first half, Adelaide made eight three-pointers on 11 attempts and went a perfect 18\/18 from the charity stripe, showing just how hot the team was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the Phoenix made some important adjustments at half time, the damage was already done as Adelaide injected even more life into its season, snagging the 110-85 win to move to eight wins and 14 losses on the season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, it was South East Melbourne’s fourth loss in a row, all of which have come at a hefty margin as the team struggles without star big man Alan Williams<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having made Adelaide Entertainment Centre a fortress of sorts in recent weeks, it was impressive to see the 36ers get their second road win of the season at State Basketball Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big man Isaac Humphries<\/a> was a powerful presence in the paint, finishing the game with 25 points and took advantage of the fact that the Phoenix were missing their star center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kyrin Galloway<\/a> delivered the best showing of his career as well, pouring in 21 points (15 in the first quarter) and going 5\/7 from behind the three-point line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next up, the 36ers will travel to WIN Entertainment Centre to take on the red-hot Illawarra Hawks in an intriguing battle to say the least, while the Phoenix will look to snap their losing streak when they take on the Breakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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