The South East Melbourne Phoenix delivered a stellar performance on New Year’s Eve, defeating the Cairns Taipans 111-96 at the Cairns Convention Centre. This decisive win was marked by captain Nathan Sobey’s standout display, scoring 31 points and dishing out 10 assists.
Nathan Sobey’s Impact
Nathan Sobey was the clearly influential player for the Phoenix. In 34 minutes, he contributed significantly, not just with scoring but by orchestrating the team’s offense. He shot efficiently, hitting 5 of 11 from beyond the arc and 6 of 7 from the free-throw line, while also recording four steals and committing zero turnovers.
- Points: 31
- Assists: 10
- Rebounds: 3
- Steals: 4
Game Dynamics
The match was tightly contested, featuring 27 lead changes. The first half saw both teams exchanging baskets, but the Phoenix pulled ahead decisively in the third quarter. Under Sobey’s leadership, they outscored Cairns 35-26, which set the stage for their commanding victory.
Support from Teammates
Nathan Sobey’s performance was complemented by solid contributions from his teammates. Jordan Hunter scored 19 points, while Owen Foxwell added 17 points and six assists. Together, their efforts highlighted the Phoenix’s offensive depth.
- Jordan Hunter: 19 points (8-12 FG)
- Owen Foxwell: 17 points, 6 assists
Cairns Taipans’ Struggles
Despite the loss, the Taipans showed moments of brilliance, especially through Jack McVeigh, who scored 26 points on 7 of 10 shooting. Sam Waardenburg also contributed with 22 points and six rebounds. However, the team struggled with ball control, committing 22 turnovers.
- Jack McVeigh: 26 points
- Sam Waardenburg: 22 points, 6 rebounds
Statistics Overview
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Field Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South East Melbourne | 111 | 30 | 23 | 42/90 (46.67%) |
| Cairns Taipans | 96 | 36 | 19 | 30/55 (54.55%) |
The Phoenix’s comprehensive victory over the Taipans sets a positive tone as they step into the new year. With Sobey leading the charge, the team looks poised to build on this momentum in the upcoming games.
