Bullets falter against Phoenix

Following a gutsy win on Wednesday night over the Perth Wildcats the Bullets were unable to replicate the comeback, going down to the South East Melbourne Phoenix, 95-66.

Anthony Drmic continued his outstanding form throughout the second half of the season, leading all scores and finishing with 20 points, five rebounds and three steals. Lamar Patterson also finished with 11 points in limited minutes due to foul trouble. 

It was high tempo basketball from the jump, with both sides applying pressure up the floor and pushing the early fast break. Drmic opened the scoring account for the Bullets, knocking down a long three and giving the crowd a taste of what was to come in an impressive first half shooting display. 

Patterson picked up two quick buckets inside, off the back of a Sobey steal and assist, but both sides were going basket for basket. 

However, the Phoenix pulled away early taking an 11 point lead mid way through the first, capitalising on extra possessions after crashing the offensive glass. 

Drmic looked to swing the momentum knocking down another three, picking up a steal and kicking to Lamar Patterson who capitalised, as the Bullets scored the last four points of the first quarter. 

The Bullets were showing positive signs throughout the second quarter, with Nathan Sobey hitting a triple to bring the lead back to five but that was as close as the scores would get.

Phoenix came out of the half time break, executing on both ends of the floor. The Bullets found it difficult to score consistently until late in the quarter as the visiting side got out to a 24 point lead with a quarter remaining. 

Momentum was well and truly with the Phoenix as they began the fourth with seven unanswered points. Hodgson continued to battle inside, coming up with a big block to stop Phoenix’s run and Tanner Krebs finished well. 

Jason Cadee and Tamuri Wigness provided some spark late in the fourth but the Phoenix lead was too great to pull back. 

South East Melbourne Phoenix had five players in double figures. Yanni Wetzel and Kyle Adnam were impressive finishing with 18 and 16 apiece.

The Bullets will look to regroup quickly as they take on Melbourne United on Monday night at Nissan Arena.