DrinkWise Preview: NBL22 - Round 18, Game 1 v Illawarra Hawks

Written by Melbourne United Media

Silverware is on the line in Melbourne United’s next outing when they face the Illawarra Hawks for Game 3 of the LifeChanger Cup.

It’s been a week of reflection and improvement for the defending Champions after going down to the Hawks in what was their largest loss of the season in Round 17.

Having identified the key areas of improvement, expect United to come out with a renewed sense of energy in the season debut of the newly re-signed Yudai Baba.

In terms of Illawarra, it’s hard to argue with their recent form, having strung together four straight wins, the last three of which have come by 15+ points.

PLAYER TO WATCH

All eyes are set to be firmly locked on the aforementioned Olympian Yudai Baba, who is set to suit up for United for the first time since Game 3 of the NBL21 Finals.

Baba has slotted in perfectly in training sessions since returning to the team, and will look to provide an instant spark off the bench for Melbourne.

His offensive burst is sure to open up opportunities for his teammates, while his unmatched speed on the defensive end will be a pivotal part of stopping Illawarra’s run-and-gun offence.

KEY MATCHUP

A battle of two imports will go a long way in deciding how Game 3 of the LifeChanger Cup will play out as Caleb Agada and Antonius Cleveland go head-to-head.

One of the Hawk’s best players this season, Cleveland used his size and speed to get on top of United in their most recent meeting.

Stopping the American guard is a must for Agada, who has thrived in Melbourne’s defensive scheme alongside the likes of Matthew Dellavedova and Shea Ili.

If Agada can slow Cleveland, watch for the Nigerian-born baller to get into a groove on offence, using the threat of his three-ball to drive to the rack and boost United.

THE OTHER GUYS

Perhaps the biggest change from the previous time these two sides met will be the return of Head Coach Brian Goorjian, who was absent from their last meeting.

The NBL’s all-time games coached leader will look to lead his side effectively, despite having the availability of guard Tyler Harvey up in the air.

Harvey missed Illawarra’s Thursday night win over Brisbane with a knee issue, and will be a fitness test for the game in Melbourne.

Outside of Harvey, the Hawks will look to run with their usual lineup of Duop Reath, Sam Froling, Justinian Jessup and Xavier Rathen-Mayes around Cleveland.

If Illawarra can get solid contributions from their depth, such as Tim Coenraad, who scored 11 points in their Round 17 win over Melbourne, the visitors will be difficult to beat.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks

Tip off: 5.30pm (AEDT), Saturday 2 April, 2022

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: Australia - ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel. International - NBL YouTube