Phoenix end slump with NBL trouncing of Illawarra

Nathan Sobey has led the Phoenix to a comfortable win over the Hawks in the NBL. (Scott Barbour/AAP PHOTOS)

South East Melbourne Phoenix have revived their NBL campaign and rediscovered their shooting touch, trouncing the Illawarra Hawks 113-96.

Nathan Sobey (24 points) was back to his best, Dash Daniels (16 points, eight rebounds) enterprising off the bench and import D'Shawn Schwartz (15 points) handy at John Cain Arena on Sunday.

The Phoenix, who had missed 70 of their 86 three-point attempts across their previous two outings, shot a more respectable 16-of-41 against Illawarra.

"Everybody who stepped onto the floor played a significant role in the game," SEM coach Josh King said.

"It was a really good team win at a really good time for us."

Dash Daniels was a key contributor for the Phoenix, with 16 points and eight boards. (Rob Prezioso/AAP PHOTOS)

Kelan Martin (17 points), Milton Doyle (14 points, 11 assists) and centre Makur Maker (14) led the way for the last-placed Hawks.

Maker, making his first NBL appearance in five seasons, started with a block and two powerful dunks to help the visitors draw level, 23-23 at quarter-time.

The Phoenix's strong rebounding advantage (18-9) in the opening term was offset by seven turnovers and a poor 1-of-10 return from beyond the arc.

Dash Daniels is getting comfortable from deep 🪣 Watch live on ESPN 📺 https://t.co/LBPFj3UrG8

— NBL (@NBL) October 4, 2026

Scores were still level at 35-35 on Will Hickey's slam with 4:50 remaining in the second period, before the Phoenix exploded with their best five minutes of the season.

Sobey spearheaded a scorching 13-0 burst amid an overall 24-4 surge as Illawarra unravelled, with their rebounding, defence and turnovers all problems.

Meanwhile, SEM finally caught fire from outside, hitting 6-of-9 threes for the quarter to streak ahead 59-41 at halftime.

Sam Davidson drives to the basket for the Phoenix. (Scott Barbour/AAP PHOTOS)

The Hawks produced a fleeting rally through Doyle, Maker and Johnny Narkle to close the gap to 79-69 late in the third.

But the Phoenix quickly reasserted their dominance, starting the fourth quarter with a string of three-point bombs as the margin ballooned to 103-79.

"Effort-wise, they out-hustled us on a lot of plays," Illawarra coach Justin Tatum said.

"We found ways to help them build their momentum.

"Once they're rolling, it's tough to beat them."