Angus Glover made a remarkable return from injury, leading the South East Melbourne Phoenix to a decisive 101-90 victory over the Cairns Taipans in an NBL clash on March 15, 2024. Glover’s impressive performance included six three-pointers and a game-high 24 points, showcasing his return to form after missing two games due to an ankle injury.
The Phoenix dominated the game, establishing a significant lead that reached 27 points in the second half. This win marked the team’s eighth victory of the season, improving their record to 8-3, while the struggling Taipans fell to 3-10 after a disappointing performance that included 19 turnovers.
The match took a pivotal turn when a technical foul was issued to Taipans coach Adam Forde for stepping onto the court early in the second period. This incident helped the Phoenix extend their lead with a 7-0 scoring run, establishing a double-digit advantage.
Glover set the tone for the Phoenix, scoring 17 first-half points on 6-of-9 shooting, which included 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. The team collectively hit twelve three-pointers in the first half, capitalizing on the Taipans’ defensive lapses, which allowed them to build a 25-point lead by halftime.
While the Taipans showed resilience by outscoring the Phoenix 53-37 in the second half, they were unable to recover from the substantial deficit. Five Cairns players reached double figures, with Jack McVeigh leading the way with 22 points, followed by Mojave King with 16 points and Admiral Schofield contributing 14 points.
Despite a competitive start, the Taipans’ sloppy execution ultimately hindered their chances. The Phoenix’s victory highlights their strong start to the current season, as they continue to build momentum under the guidance of head coach Josh King.
As the season progresses, the Phoenix will look to maintain their winning streak, while the Taipans will need to address their turnover issues and improve their overall play to climb the NBL standings.
This match, reported by the Australian Associated Press, demonstrates the excitement and intensity of the NBL as teams battle for position in the league.
