15
Dec
3 min read
Hurt, so good in 12-point SEM win against United
Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images
Highlights
Forward Matt Hurt leads Phoenix to back-to-back Throwdown wins
- South East Melbourne Phoenix overcame a 15-point first-half deficit and a late Melbourne United lead to secure a 109-97 victory
- A 32-20 third quarter and a 14-0 run led by Derrick Walton Jr (14 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds) and Matt Hurt (28 points, 6 rebounds) helped the Phoenix take control.
- Melbourne United, now 12-7, lost their third straight game
Phoenix forward Matt Hurt delivered another outstanding performance, scoring 28 points on 12-from-15 shooting with six rebounds, to help South East Melbourne secure a 109-97 victory against Melbourne United in a Sunday Throwdown on December 15, 2024 at John Cain Arena.
The win was back-to-back Throwdown victories for the Phoenix, improving their record to 8-9.
Hurt’s efficiency and inside presence were pivotal as the Phoenix overturned an early 15-point deficit.
After trailing 36-24 at quarter-time, South East Melbourne outscored United 32-20 in the third quarter, with Hurt consistently making an impact in key moments. His performance, along with Jordan Hunter’s 23 points and Nathan Sobey’s all-around contribution, set the tone for the comeback win.
Melbourne, now 12-7 and on a three-game losing streak for the first time since late 2022, was led by Ian Clark’s 20 points.
Despite a strong start, United struggled to contain the Phoenix in the second half, particularly Hurt, who anchored South East Melbourne’s offense and played a critical role in securing the 12-point triumph. United are still without Australian Boomers three-point specialist Chris Goulding.
