NBL Playoff Finals Qualifiers: South East Melbourne Phoenix demolish Perth Wildcats 111-94 in

South East Melbourne Phoenix delivered a statement performance in their NBL Finals opener, overwhelming the Perth Wildcats 111-94 in the Seeding Qualifier at John Cain Arena on Wednesday night. The dominant display earned Phoenix their rightful place among the final four and showcased why they remain one of the competition’s most dangerous teams.

The Phoenix turned up the intensity from the opening tip, applying relentless defensive pressure that the Wildcats simply could not handle. Right from the outset, Phoenix was up in the grill of the Wildcats players, applying intense mid and full court presses to force five opening period steals as the visitors wilted under the finals heat.

AND 1 for the captain! 🔥

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/ANMUPzbVI4

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) March 4, 2026

Defensive masterclass sets the tone

Phoenix’s defensive ferocity, a hallmark of Josh King’s coaching tenure, returned at the perfect moment. While the team had moved away from their defensive focus late in the regular season as their offense dominated games, the arrival of the Play-In Tournament saw the Phoenix renew their defensive intensity with devastating effect.

NBL Defensive Player of the Year John Brown III was exceptional, stealing lunch money all over the court in a truly remarkable defensive display that could not be totally measured on the stats sheet. The 34-year-old American finished with six points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals before exiting to a standing ovation from the Melbourne crowd.

Young point guard Owen Foxwell provided the early energy that his teammates followed, contributing 18 points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals in an elite performance at both ends. Phoenix superstar Nathan Sobey controlled the game with 24 points and seven assists, taking what the Wildcats defense gave him throughout the contest.

Foxy was EVERYWHERE last night! 😮‍💨

As voted by YOU, Owen Foxwell is the GOAT Player of the Game from our Seeding Qualifier win over the Wildcats. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/PcNaHNCEUy

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) March 5, 2026

Bench strength proves decisive

The Phoenix’s league-leading bench production continued in the playoffs, with veteran import Ian Clark and Sixth Man of the Year Angus Glover supercharging the offense. Clark contributed 16 points before suffering a concerning ankle injury late in the game, while Glover added 12 points to the cause.

For Perth, All-NBL First Team selection Kristian Doolittle fought valiantly with 22 points, preventing an even larger deficit. However, foul trouble to center Jo Lual-Acuil Jr in the first half allowed Phoenix to take control inside the paint, building a commanding 64-47 halftime lead that they never relinquished.

The victory sets up a best-of-three semi-final showdown between Phoenix and NBL MVP Bryce Cotton‘s Adelaide 36ers, while Perth must take the long route, hosting an elimination game against the winner of the Play-In Qualifier between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers.

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