DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Round 11, Game 2 v Illawarra Hawks

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to keep up their recent momentum when they host the Illawarra Hawks in Game 3 of the LifeChanger Cup on Sunday afternoon at John Cain Arena.

With the series tied after two games, it will all come down to this third and final meeting between the two sides.

For United, every win is crucial as they aim to make a late push towards the postseason following a slow start to the NBL23 season.

As for Illawarra, the Hawks will be looking to break their recent run of three straight losses following their spirited performance against the Sydney Kings on Friday evening.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Coming off his best game of the season, all eyes will be on Rayjon Tucker heading into Sunday afternoon.

The American high-flyer scored a Throwdown record 33 points on 11/15 shooting in the 16-point victory, which included 25 first-half points.

This only continued his hot run of form, with the guard averaging over 20 points per game since the FIBA break, while connecting on 47% of his long-range looks.

Look for Tuck to be aggressive once again, attacking the Hawks in the paint and cashing in on his open looks from beyond the arc.

KEY MATCHUP

One player that has loved playing against MU this season has been Sam Froling, with the big man notching his two highest scoring games of the season.

Against United, Froling has averaged 28 points per game. Against all other teams, the center averages just 10.3 points per game.

It will be up to the league’s best shot-blocking duo, Isaac Humphries and Marcus Lee (3.1 combined blocks per game) to slow down the Hawks’ star.

The pair have given United a terrific yin and yang connection on the court, with Humphries providing strength and touch, while Lee has brought an elite vertical threat since joining the team.

THE OTHER GUYS

Since adding Michael Fraizer to the mix, the Hawks have showcased how potent their trio of imports can be.

Over their last four games, Frazier, Payton Siva and Tyler Harvey have given Illawarra over 40 points per contest.

This, combined with the energy and athleticism of the likes of Deng Deng, Mangok Mathiang and Davo Hickey make the Hawks a dangerous team each time they step onto the court.

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks

Tip off: 4pm (AEDT), Sunday 18 December, 2022

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: 10 Peach and Kayo Freebies

Listen: Clutch Radio

Tickets: Available here