Anthony stars as United defeat Phoenix for third time this season

Looking for a response after Adelaide snapped their four-game winning streak on Thursday night, Melbourne United returned to John Cain Arena, taking on their cross-town rivals in SEM Phoenix.

Despite their loss to the 36ers, confidence will have been high in the United camp entering Saturday night. Not only had United defeated their fellow Melbournians twice earlier in the season, but the Phoenix had lost their last their last three games, and sat bottom on the ladder with a 4-8 record.

As many will have expected, United controlled the first quarter. The margin got out to double digits, and it would have remained that way at quarter-time if not for an impressive buzzer-beater from Akech Aliir. Nevertheless, United still led 30-22 after ten minutes of action.

Cole Anthony was up to his usual tricks with twelve points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal in the first quarter, while Luke Travers also impressed with seven points on 100% shooting. D'Shawn Schwartz was doing all he could to keep South East Melbourne in the game with seven points of his own, but it was clear the Phoenix would need to lift in the second quarter to keep the game competitive.

Instead, it only got worse. A 13-0 run to end the second half would all but confirm that United would leave victorious, with Jacob Chance's side leading 64-39 at half-time.

By now, no one in the building had an answer for Cole Anthony, who had 24 points in the first half. Sam Waardenburg also came to life in the second quarter with thirteen points and six rebounds at half-time, but to be frank, all ten United players that saw the court in the first half were outplaying their opponents in green and white, much to the dismay of Josh King.

Whatever King told his players at half-time, it worked. Led by Nathan Sobey, the Phoenix came out hot, leaving the "home" fans shocked. After a big three-pointer from Sobey, taking his third-quarter tally up to thirteen, United's lead had been cut down to ten.

Yet, despite having zero points in the first half, it would be Joe Ingles who lit the fire back up for United, with his first five points of the game coming off back-to-back baskets in rapid succession. With Malith Machar and Sam Waardenburg both succesful on trips to the line on either side of Ingles' five point run, United were now back in control, leading 87-68 with one quarter remaining.

With United leading 100-85 with ninety seconds remaining, it looked like the race had been run, as Jacob Chance pulled his starters from the floor. Incredibly, he would have to bring them back on a minute later, as a 10-0 run from the Phoenix cut the lead to five. South East Melbourne looked like they had a chance to pull off the impossible, but thanks to a desperate defensive effort from United and two clutch free throws from Joe Ingles, United would escape with the win, defeating the Phoenix 102-95.

Cole Anthony will be the subject of plenty of heated debates over the next week after another technical foul, but what is undeniable is that he is one of, if not the best player in the league, after 39 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Sam Waardenburg recorded his first double-double of the season with sixteen points and ten rebounds. Meanwhile, Phoenix were led by another stellar performance from Nathan Sobey, with 23 points, eight assists, six rebounds and four steals, while D'Shawn Schwartz also impressed with seventeen points, three rebounds and three steals.

Despite the loss, Phoenix coach Josh King was happy with the effort his team showed to make the margin respectable.

"We wanted to leave this game feeling better about ourselves. And when you're in a hole, sometimes it takes a little (to get out). Hopefully, that first half was us getting out of it. And then we could build on the second half. But (I'm) proud of the way we played collectively for four quarters. Hopefully, we can gain momentum off that second half."

Meanwhile, Jacob Chance gave his opponents credit after they made life difficult for his team towards the end of the game.

"I think it speaks volumes to how good the league is. Every night is a great challenge, we have such an electric group of coaches in different styles. You play South East tonight, very different to Adelaide the other night, that'll be very different to what we'll see next in New Zealand. It keeps me engaged, I love the new challenge of seeing new teams and different things, and I want to be that team that can win in different ways."

As luck would have it, both teams have New Zealand next on their schedule. SEM Phoenix will make the trip across international waters to play the Breakers on Wednesday, while United enjoy a week off before hosting New Zealand on Saturday.