Time is Now for Phoenix

NBL analysts Corey Williams and Liam Santamaria are both predicting South East Melbourne Phoenix to advance through to the next round of the Finals tonight when they go up against the Perth Wildcats.

Tonight’s Play-In Qualifier is crucial for both South East Melbourne and Perth, as one team will proceed to the Play-In Game of the Finals Series and the other will be eliminated.

2010 NBL MVP Williams said on the latest episode of NBL Overtime that it is “their time now” for the Phoenix.

“Phoenix, it’s Phoenix at home. I can’t go past them, it’s their time now,” Williams said.

“I cannot go past the Phoenix at home.”

Santamaria echoed Williams’ comments and declared South East Melbourne were one of the best teams in the league at “getting to the free-throw line”.

“Phoenix at home, they do an amazing job at getting to the free-throw line, they’re the best in the league along with the Kings,” Santamaria said.

“I think in the pressure environment of the post-season with their crowd going nuts they’ll get those whistles, and they’ll get over the line.

“Who can step up and lead their team in a do-or-die situation. Loser gone, winner progresses.”

A piece that will likely make an impact in tonight’s game is import big Alan Williams who is averaging 16.6 points and 9.6 rebounds.

Williams recently signed on for another two seasons with the Phoenix and will have the opportunity to entertain the South East Melbourne fans with his performance tonight.

“Williams, less pressure personally as far as in his life because he knows he has that security now, so he’ll be even more excited to go out and do what he does specifically against this team...advantage him,” Corey said.

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In round 16, the Phoenix conquered the ‘Cats with a 112-91 win and Williams played a key role in that game with 27 points and 14 rebounds.

“We saw these teams go up against each other a few weeks ago, the Phoenix beasted them on the glass. Completely dominated them,” Santamaria said.

“What the Phoenix do well is where Wildcats struggle. They get on the offensive glass where the Wildcats can’t block out.”

The Play-In Qualifier promises to be a tight and tense affair, where one team will unfortunately be cut from the NBL23 Finals Series, and the winner will play the loser from the Taipans and JackJumpers Seeding Qualifier game.

Tip-off is 6:30pm AEDT tonight at John Cain Arena live on ESPN via Kayo Freebies.