How to watch & talking points: Perth v SE Melboune

28 Jan 2026

perth wildcats

south east melbourne phoenix

NBL heavyweights Perth and South East Melbourne lock horns on Wednesday, with both sides gunning for a spot in the inaugural Ignite Cup Final.

Perth Wildcats (5th) v South East Melbourne Phoenix (2nd)
Wednesday, January 29, 9.30pm AEDT
RAC Arena

How to watch‍

‍Watch every game live on ESPN.

>> How to watch ESPN

Tickets

>> Ticketing information

How to follow & live scores

‍Live scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.

>> Visit Game Centre | Download the free NBL App now

Talking points

Final on the line
Both Perth and South East Melbourne are still a mathematical chance to book a spot in the first-ever Ignite Cup Final.

To do so, each team would have to win every quarter and win big to give themselves a chance, while also hoping that Adelaide drops points on the Gold Coast.

Without securing all seven points on offer, both sides’ Ignite Cup chances would be over.

Phoenix revenge game
South East Melbourne is one of the hottest teams in the NBL, with their only loss in the past seven games coming at the hands of Perth.

Josh King’s side will no doubt be looking to make amends for that defeat and keep pressure on the league-leading 36ers, as the Heartland club chases top spot.

A victory on Wednesday would also give the Phoenix the most regular-season wins in their seven-year existence, eclipsing their 19-17 mark from NBL21.

What they're saying

Perth import Kristian Doolittle on what his side learnt from their tough loss to Melbourne:
"“If you take it personal, you are not going to be able to last long in this profession.

“[You need to] understand basketball is a competitive sport filled with competitive people. As long as that line isn’t crossed of calling someone out, I feel like all is fair game.”

Phoenix guard Owen Foxwell on why teammate Angus Glover should be Sixth Man of the Year:
“I have Gus being the Best Sixth Man, and it’s been a nice campaign for him to win.

“He deserves it with the incredible basketball he's been playing.

“We have a team full of world-class shooters around m,e and he’s one of them. It’s fun playing with guys like Gus, who make everyone’s jobs easier.