Agada returns to form as United prepare for Finals

Coming into United’s matchup with the Tasmania JackJumpers on Saturday evening, it had been over a month since Caleb Agada had scored more than 13 points.

It was a difficult period for the Olympian, who started the season in red-hot fashion, averaging 16.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game over his first eight games with the defending champions.

Never one to be deterred, Agada shrugged off injuries and shooting slumps to head into the Hungry Jack’s NBL Finals on the back of one of his best games of the season.

Needing a more aggressive game from the import without a pair of starters in Matthew Dellavedova and Jack White, as well as bench leader David Barlow, Agada stepped up.

Agada scored 22 points in the game (including 14 in the first quarter) to lead all scorers and tally his highest point total of the new year.

This output, as well as some strong defence, helped United take a four-point lead into half-time, before Melbourne’s shorthanded side succumbed to the JJs energy.

Speaking after the game, Head Coach Dean Vickerman praised Caleb’s effort.

“It was great for Caleb to get back to playing attacking offensive basketball.

“He is hard to stay in-front of and can force defences into rotation… We hope to see more of this in the Finals.”

United will next play either Tasmania or Perth in Game 1 of the Semi Finals series on Thursday 28 April at John Cain Arena.

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