Bench squad shines in blowout victory

Written by Melbourne United Media

Despite boasting a starting lineup with an MVP candidate (Jo Lual-Acuil Jr), NBA champion (Matthew Dellavedova), all-time great NBL shooter (Chris Goulding), Olympian (Caleb Agada) and former Duke University Captain (Jack White), United’s bench has gotten a lot of attention all season.

Made up of an intriguing mix of youth and experience, the bench squad, primarily made up of Shea Ili, Dion Prewster, Brad Newley, Mason Peatling and Ariel Hukporti have risen in big moments all season.

This was again the case on Sunday afternoon, as Melbourne were forced to adjust without Agada, and with CG and Delly limited by injuries.

United’s bench, led by Newley, scored 48 of the side’s 101 points, helping the defending champions cruise to a 27-point win.

Knowing they needed a strong team performance, Head Coach Dean Vickerman challenged the White Squad to be ready for their opportunities; a test they passed with flying colours.

Vickerman praised his bench following the victory, singling out seldom-seen Kiwi guard Dion Prewster for stepping up when his number was called.

“Dion Prewster since coming back from national team duties has really been great,” Vickerman said about Prewsters eight-point, six-rebound performance.

“It was a great reward from him to play close to 19 minutes and be really solid… I thought Dion was fantastic.”

Alongside Newley and Prewster, the rest of the beach contributed well, with Hukporti (11 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks), Peatling (eight points, three rebounds) and Zac Triplett (six points) all finding the bottom of the net.

Speaking right after the win, CG43 talked about how exciting it was to see everyone get an opportunity to showcase their skills.

“I’m super excited with how guys that don’t get much of an opportunity grabbed it, they excelled tonight and pushed us to a win.

“We preach every day, every session, just be ready for your opportunity, it’s going to come.

Caleb is at home, Delly and myself go out early… These guys stepped up, they grabbed the opportunity which is what we preach, what we ask, so we’re really happy.”

Fans will get their next opportunity to see United’s depth of display on Sunday 27 March from 3pm.

Tickets to the contest, which will also be United’s Member Appreciation Game, are on sale NOW.