Cook stirs Phoenix in runaway NBL defeat of Perth

A Tyler Cook dunk has fired up South East Melbourne, who found their groove in a devastating third-quarter run to upset Perth in a 110-99 home NBL win.

The Phoenix were off the pace in an opening-night loss to United but exploded back to form in the final game of the first round to light up John Cain Arena on Sunday.

Cook (23 points, 10 rebounds), only contracted until first-choice import Alan Williams is fit to return from a knee injury, was the catalyst.

The athletic forward ruffled Perth's feathers with a rim-rattling dunk that had Wildcats Next Star Alexandre Sarr biting.

The highly touted French 18-year-old went nose-to-nose with Cook after his dunk and some push-and-shove ensued.

It was a four-point game at that point but the friction only spurred on the Phoenix.

Gary Browne (12 points), back after missing the United loss, showed his swagger with a dagger triple and runaway lay-up to push out the lead.

Things quickly unravelled for Perth and a long Ben Ayre triple on the buzzer gave the hosts a 23-point buffer at the final break after they had trailed by three at halftime.

That lead blew out to 30 points before Perth pegged some back in the final minutes.

Will Cummings (18 points, four rebounds, four assists) also did his bit to turn the screws as the hosts made 56 per cent of their field goals and won the rebound count 43-31.

It was Perth, who beat Tasmania on Friday, flexing their muscle early through Sarr and Keanu Pinder, both men assaulting the rim as they led by as many as 10 points.

Mitch Creek doused that fire though with aggressive offence of his own to ensure they stayed in reach.

With Bryce Cotton (seven points at 23 per cent, 10 assists) quiet and Pinder in foul trouble, the Phoenix defence tightened up and their offence profited.

Phoenix travel to Cairns and Illawarra next weekend while Perth host Adelaide.