Posted on 10 September, 2019
Kilsyth juniors Kyle Adnam and Ben Ursich put on a show on their home court on Sunday, combining for 24 points as they led the South East Melbourne Phoenix to a 93-80 win over the Cairns Taipans at the Kilsyth Sports Centre.
– Article by Shayne Hope, SE Melbourne Phoenix
Click here for original article
South East Melbourne Phoenix continued their winning pre-season form with a 93-80 victory over Cairns Taipans in front of a sold-out crowd at Kilsyth Basketball Stadium on Sunday.
Import Tai Wesley put in another huge shift with 21 points, six assists and five rebounds, and spearheaded a dominant Phoenix performance during the third quarter as they broke the game open.
Ben Ursich (13 points), Keith Benson (12), Ben Madgen (11) and Kyle Adnam (11) all reached double figures in an even team contribution.
The pre-season game was the third in the space of five days for the Phoenix, who are building towards their opening regular season game against Melbourne United on October 3.
“We’ve had a couple of teething issues in our first few games, but we’ve improved in every game and I think those issues are getting wiped out quickly, which is a really positive sign,” Adnam said.
“I think as we progress we’re only going to get better.
“It’s been a tough schedule with some travel in there, too, but I think everyone did a really good job of taking care of their bodies and then put on a good performance in our third game.”
Kendall Stephens was on fire early and nailed all three of his attempts from long range, but hurt a calf muscle during the second quarter and sat out the rest of the game as a precaution.
Adnam was full of praise for star big man Wesley, who hit three triples in a purple patch during the third period to take the game away from Cairns.
“To be honest, it’s probably just another day in the office for Tai,” Adnam said.
“He’s tended to do this over the first three games and I’m sure he’ll continue it all season. We know Tai’s a winner and a great player.”
Kilsyth product Adnam was thrilled by the support from the packed grandstand at his old stomping ground.
“It’s always good to come back to a place that kind of shaped your basketball career,” Adnam said.
“I haven’t played a game here in a while and it was absolutely awesome.”
FINAL SCORES
South East Melbourne Phoenix 93 (Wesley 21, Ursich 13, Benson 12)
Cairns Taipans 80 (Oliver 24, Noi 16, Deng 10)
Click here for the full box score
