Phoenix outlast Sixers in OT win

Trey Kell stepped up when it mattered most as South East Melbourne Phoenix held off a furious fightback from Adelaide 36ers to secure a 103-98 overtime victory and climb to third on the NBL ladder.

The visitors recovered from a 16-point deficit to set up a thrilling conclusion at John Cain Arena on Sunday, but Kell scored eight of his team-high 24 points in the extra period as the Phoenix successfully backed up from Friday's thrilling victory in Perth.

After injuries left a shorthanded Phoenix squad languishing with a 1-3 record, the introduction of Kell, Gary Browne and Ryan Broekhoff has triggered a run of four successive wins.

Kell scored 20 points after halftime while Alan Williams (18), Broekhoff (17) and Mitch Creek (16) provided valuable support as South East Melbourne withstood a 28-point barrage from Craig Randall to maintain their recent run of good form.

The American-born Kell gave credit to his teammates for their support after shaking off a rough opening half to steer his new club to victory.

"I was very frustrated today. I felt like I was getting great looks, just not making them," Kell said.

"At halftime, everyone was saying to keep shooting. Once I made one, it kind of felt good ... I knew I was capable of this."

The home side exploded for 35 points in the first quarter, with Broekhoff and Creek combining for 19 points.

They then edged ahead by 16 approaching halftime but Anthony Drmic and Randall handed Adelaide a lifeline with an 8-0 run to end the second quarter.

Down 52-44 at the main break, the Sixers came roaring back with a 27-16 third period, with Randall's spectacular shot-making helping set up a 71-68 advantage.

The final quarter turned into an arm-wrestle with the lead changing hands on multiple occasions.

Adelaide appeared to take the upper hand when the evergreen Daniel Johnson nailed to put them up 88-85 with less than two minutes left.

Gary Browne's layup made it a one-point game and a backcourt violation from Randall allowed the Phoenix a shot for the lead.

But after both teams missed chances to score, Broekhoff hit a go-ahead three-pointer as he was fouled, then completed the four-point play to give the Phoenix a 91-88 lead.

A Browne technical foul allowed Randall to sink a free throw, then he cooly finished in the lane on the next possession to tie the scores at 91-91 with four seconds to play.

Creek's potential game-winning three-pointer on the buzzer missed the mark but the Phoenix took charge in overtime, backing up a pair of one-point wins with another nail-biting result.