Phoenix ends 36ers’ season on the road

Adelaide 36ers have been eliminated from the NBL25 championship race after an 85-75 loss to South East Melbourne Phoenix at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon.

Kendric Davis scored a game-high 26 points to go with six rebounds and five assists and the 36ers took a lead into half-time but were unable to hold on down the stretch.

Montrezl Harrell was big at both ends of the floor with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Jarell Martin added 11 points, four rebounds and two steals.

The retiring Jason Cadee did all he could for the visitors, scoring 10 points to go with six rebounds and three assists.

READ MORE

• MATCH PREVIEW: 36ers ready for ultimate test
• Vasiljevic says 36ers ready for ultimate test
• TEAM SCOUT: Rebounding key in huge Phoenix battle
• COACHES CORNER: Club pride sparks playoff success

Davis opened the scoring with two tough jump shots, then Isaac Humphries got to the free throw line and Davis scored again for an early 8-4 lead.

Phoenix responded straight away, going on an 11-2 run to take their first lead of the game at 15-10 as Harrell went to the room with an ankle concern.

The 36ers scored the final six points of the quarter, back-to-back baskets from Martin gave Adelaide a 16-15 lead at quarter time.

Harrell returned and scored on the first play of the second quarter, Davis followed with a tough layup and when Cadee swished a three-pointer, Adelaide’s lead extended to 23-15.

Martin followed with a three-pointer, then Cadee swished another before he got to the free throw line.

Harrell went on his own 6-0 run including a huge tip jam as the 36ers’ lead increased to 37-17.

The Phoenix then connected on two straight three-pointers before Vasiljevic opened his scoring with a three-pointer of his own in transition.

Adelaide restricted the Phoenix to 11 second quarter points and when Davis swished a three-pointer from the other side of half court on the buzzer, the 36ers took a 45-26 lead into the main interval.

Harrell converted inside to start the second half, but the Phoenix scored the next five points to cut the margin to 47-31.

Humphries sliced his way to the basket, then Davis scored at the hoop as the home side continued to reduce the 36ers’ lead to 55-44.

Davis swished another three-pointer, but South East Melbourne stormed back into the contest with a 7-0 run as the 36ers took a 60-54 lead into the final 10 minutes.

The home side cut the margin to just one point before a pair of Davis free throws, then the Phoenix took the lead for first time since the opening quarter.

South East Melbourne extended their lead to 70-64 as the 36ers couldn’t capitalise at the offensive end. One final push through Davis and Harrell fell short and the NBL25 campaign concluded. 

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 85 (Hurt 25, Ayre 17) def ADELAIDE 36ERS 75 (Davis 26, Harrell 17, Martin 11, Cadee 10) at John Cain Arena.
BOX SCORE