DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Round 9, v South East Melbourne Phoenix

Written by Melbourne United Media 

Melbourne United will be looking to gather some momentum as they head into the second half of the NBL23 season when they face the SEM Phoenix in Throwdown XIX, delivered by DoorDash on Saturday night.

United hold the advantage in the rivalry all-time, having won 12 of the 18 times the two sides have clashed on the court.

Needing some wins to vault themselves back into playoff contention, look for Melbourne to come out with high energy as they aim to take home an away victory at John Cain Arena.

PLAYER TO WATCH

After dropping 21 points in United’s last outing, all eyes will be on Chris Goulding heading into Throwdown XIX.

CG43 has torched the Phoenix so far this season, averaging 22.5 points per game against United’s cross-town rivals.

Sitting six triples away from becoming the first player in the 40-minute era to reach 1,000 three-pointers, watch Goulding work off the ball to find himself open looks.

KEY MATCHUP

After tearing up United with his slick playmaking in Round 7, Melbourne will need to key in on dynamic SEM guard Gary Browne when they face off on Saturday.

Tasked with slowing down the Puerto Rican pocket-rocket will be Rayjon Tucker, who will hope to force Browne into a similar performance to that of his game on Thursday night (five points, five turnovers, zero assists).

On the other end, Tucker will look to continue his recent form which has seen him average over 22 points per game across the past three games.

THE OTHER GUYS

One of the reasons Browne can be so effective for the Phoenix is because of the strength surrounding him.

Mitch Creek remains a dangerous force, while Alan Williams has showcased how effective he can be against United so far this season (24 points and 14.5 rebounds per game).

A key factor in the result will be the effectiveness of SEM’s trio of shooters, Kyle Adnam, Ryan Broekhoff and Trey Kell, who connected on just three of 10 combined attempts last night against the Breakers.

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs SEM Phoenix

Tip off: 8pm (AEDT), Saturday 3 December, 2022

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel

Listen: Cluch Radio