Phoenix edge gallant Breakers in NBL
South East Melbourne Phoenix have given their NBL semi-final chances a major boost after recording a vital 91-82 victory over the New Zealand Breakers.
A maiden play-off appearance appeared to be a formality for the Phoenix until a spate of injuries and poor form resulted in five losses in the last six starts, leaving the second-year franchise clinging to fourth spot ahead of Wednesday s clash at John Cain Arena.
But with import Keifer Sykes showing signs of his hot early-season form, South East Melbourne held off a late challenge from the Breakers to rise to third on the ladder at 15-14, ahead of Sydney and Illawarra (both on 14-14).
Finn Delany played a key role for the Breakers in the match.
South East Melbourne Phoenix have given their NBL semi-final chances a major boost after recording a vital 91-82 victory over the New Zealand Breakers. A maiden play-off appearance appeared to be a formality for the Phoenix until a spate of injuries and poor form resulted in five losses in the last six starts, leaving the second-year franchise clinging to fourth spot ahead of Wednesday s clash at John Cain Arena. But with import Keifer Sykes showing signs of his hot early-season form, South East Melbourne held off a late challenge from the Breakers to rise to third on the ladder at 15-14, ahead of Sydney and Illawarra (both on 14-14).
PHOTO: Adelaide 36ers Facebook page
KAI Sotto isn t losing sight of his ultimate goal of making it to the NBA.
But Adelaide 36ers general manager Jeff Van Groningen warned the Filipino prodigy not to take his stint in the National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia lightly. The National Basketball League is a tough league, he said. It s a very strong league and improving league. It s gone from being one of the top 10 leagues in the world perhaps 10 years ago to certainly I think in the top five leagues in the world now.
Sotto s party, though, needs not to fret when it comes to the 7-foot-3 center s future as Adelaide has been in this situation before.
8 hours ago
WHEN he signed with the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League (NBL) on Wednesday, Kai Sotto joined not just any other ballclub. The 36ers have a long and rich tradition in Australian basketball.
The 36ers were founded in 1982 when they were still known as the Adelaide City Eagles before switching to their current moniker in honor of the Adelaide settlement in 1836.
Here are 10 things you may not know about Sotto’s new ballclub.
1. The 36ers are one of the top teams in the history of the NBL, having won four championships. Its most recent championship came in 2002 when they won over Victoria, with Brett Maher capturing the Grand Final MVP. Adelaide also won in 1986 before becoming the second club to take back-to-back crowns in 1998 and 1999. Only the Perth Wildcats (10) and the Melbourne United (5) have won more championships than the 36ers.
Basketballer Mitch Creek has assault charges withdrawn theage.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theage.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.