Phoenix Torch Hawks in 40-Point Rout

The South East Melbourne Phoenix responded to their midweek loss in the best way possible — by dismantling the defending champion Illawarra Hawks 116–76 at John Cain Arena on Saturday night.

After falling by 17 points in Adelaide just 48 hours earlier, the Phoenix came out like a team with something to prove. Their shooting was electric, their defence suffocating, and their energy relentless as they piled on a season-high 116 points to send the Hawks crashing to the bottom of the NBL ladder at 1–4.

Angus Glover was the catalyst. The sharpshooter came off the bench and delivered a career-best performance, torching his former club with 26 points and hitting 8-of-12 from beyond the arc — including 7-of-8 in the first half alone. His hot hand powered South East Melbourne to a 66–40 halftime lead and left Illawarra shell-shocked.

The Phoenix’s ball movement and spacing shredded the Hawks’ defence. They finished with 18 made threes on 40 per cent shooting from deep, went 22-of-26 from the foul line, and committed just seven turnovers in one of the most efficient offensive performances of the season.

Nathan Sobey celebrated his 301st NBL game with 21 points, five rebounds, four steals, and three assists — the perfect captain’s game. Hunter Maldonado continued to show poise beyond his years with 13 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, while John Brown III added 11 points and two steals. Jordan Hunter and Next Star Malique Lewis also chipped in with strong rebounding efforts, combining for 17 boards.

It was total domination — the kind of response Phoenix coach Josh King demanded after Thursday’s loss.

For Illawarra, it was another night of frustration. The defending champions shot just 37 per cent from the field and coughed up 25 turnovers. JaVale McGee was the lone bright spot, posting 22 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks while showing flashes of the dominance that carried him through a decorated NBA career. Tyler Harvey had 14 points, and Harry Froling added 11 in limited minutes.

The Hawks actually started well, led by McGee’s early spark, but once Glover checked in, everything changed. He hit back-to-back threes to flip the lead, then ignited a 22–2 second-quarter run that completely broke the contest open. By the third quarter, the lead ballooned past 30, and when McGee fouled out early in the fourth, the Phoenix piled on the punishment.

For South East Melbourne, this was more than a win — it was a statement. Their defence was active, their rotations crisp, and their shooting elite. For Illawarra, it was a sobering reminder that title defences don’t run on reputation.

The Phoenix (3–2) stay home to face the Sydney Kings on Thursday night, while the Hawks (1–4) will try to regroup before heading west to play the Perth Wildcats next Saturday.

Final score: South East Melbourne Phoenix 116 defeated Illawarra Hawks 76.