DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Round 5, Game 1 v Illawarra Hawks

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to get back to their winning ways on Saturday night when they hit the road to face the Illawarra Hawks in NBL23's first instalment of the LifeChanger Cup.

On the back of three home losses, United will hope to find their form and put together a four-quarter effort against the Hawks, who themselves have had a difficult start to the NBL23 season.

Sitting on the bottom of the ladder at 1-6, which includes three consecutive 25 point or more losses, Illawarra are desperate to put on a show in front of their home fans. 

PLAYER TO WATCH

Returning to the WIN Entertainment Centre for the first time since leaving the Hawks in the off-season, Xavier Rathan Mayes is poised for a strong showing on Saturday night.

Having helped lead Illawarra to a playoff berth in NBL22, XRM knows what it takes to get the job done in Wollongong.

Despite a slow showing in United’s last game, Rathan-Mayes has been nothing short of spectacular for Melbourne this season, leading the team in points, rebounds, assists and steals across their first six games.

Look for XRM to attack the Hawks from all over the court while looking to get his teammates involved.

KEY MATCHUP

Which team comes away with the wing advantage will go a long way to deciding who takes home the much-needed victory on Saturday night.

For the Hawks, Tyler Harvey and Deng Deng have struggled, with neither shooting over 35% from the field or 28% from deep so far this season.

United will hope their pairing of expert marksman Chris Goulding and dynamic guard Rayjon Tucker will be able to shut down Illawarra’s duo while putting the ball in the hoop on offence.

THE OTHER GUYS

If there’s one area the Hawks can be pleased with so far this season, it’s the production they’re getting off their bench.

George King, Lachlan Dent and Mangok Mathiang are combining for over 25 points per game so far this season, providing a much-needed spark for Illawarra.

Perhaps one player they will look for more from is Sam Froling, who is shooting the lowest percentage from the field, free-throw line and three-point line of his career thus far.

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks      

Tip off: 5.30pm (AEDT), Saturday 29 October, 2022

Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Watch: ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel