DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 20 v South East Melbourne Phoenix

The final round of the NBL regular season is here!

Playing in front of our home fans once again, we will face off against the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Throwdown XXVIII.

With a top-two spot potentially up for grabs, expect our guys to leave everything out on the floor come Saturday evening.

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

(Past five games)
United - W, L, W, W, W

Phoenix - W, L, W, L, W

Owners of the league’s longest active winning streak, we will look to continue to lean on our defence to overcome the Phoenix.

In the past three outings, we have allowed just 91 points per game while restricting opponents to under 45% shooting from the field.

When holding teams under 100 points this season, we possess a 17-3 record.

For the Phoenix, piling on the points has been their best bet to secure wins this season, with the team holding a 11-2 record in games where they score over 100 points.

STARS COLLIDE

Last round, Shea Ili showcased once again why he is considered the best defender in the league, coming up with multiple huge plays at that end of the floor down the stretch of the game.

He will look to do this against one of the competition’s rising stars, Owen Foxwell, who has thrived in extended minutes.

Across his past five games Foxwell is averaging 15.2 points on 60% shooting from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.

Ili has also put together a strong campaign, averaging a career-high in points, assists and rebounds.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Tip-off: 8pm AEDT, Saturday 8 February, 2025

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN

Tickets: Available via the Sky Lounge. Contact Jake Summers on jake.summers@melbourneutd.com.au for enquiries.