Phoenix pinch last-second NBL thriller over Wildcats

John Brown III buried a jumper with 1.5 seconds remaining to give South East Melbourne a dramatic 77-76 NBL win over Perth.

The Phoenix overturned a club record-low first half and a 16-point third-quarter deficit to stun the Wildcats at Perth’s RAC Arena on Thursday night.

Perth led 76-74 when import Dylan Windler fouled Brown before the visitors were able to inbound, with 11 seconds on the clock.

Brown hit the technical to reduce the margin to 76-75, before then hitting the go-ahead bucket on a Nathan Sobey assist from the next possession.

The home side had one last shot at a miracle but Kristian Doolittle’s long touchdown pass was intercepted by Sobey.

“Just really proud of the entire group to find a way to win this game,” Phoenix coach Josh King said.

“Our guys played with a lot of heart and hustle.”

Jordan Hunter (18 points) and Sobey (16) led the way for the Phoenix, while David Duke Jr (21) and Elijah Pepper (17) paced Perth.