DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Throwdown XVIII Round 7, Game 2 v SEM Phoenix

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to bounce back in a big way on Saturday evening when they face the SEM Phoenix in Throwdown XVIII, delivered by DoorDash.

After taking down their cross-town rivals in the largest ever Throwdown victory in Round 6, United will be hoping to replicate that performance and bring their all-time record against the Phoenix to 13-5.

For SEM, a win is crucial to turn around their recent form, having lost their past two games to Melbourne and Perth.

PLAYER TO WATCH

While he may not see major minutes, all eyes will be on new United import Marcus Lee come Saturday, as he takes to the court for the first time in United colours.

The 208cm center will give Melbourne a much-needed vertical threat, similar to what Next Star Ariel Hukporti provided before his pre-season injury.

Speaking at United’s game against the Adelaide 36ers, Lee said he’s ready to bring some excitement to the court.

“I plan on bringing a lot of excitement and hopefully a lot of wins,” he said.

KEY MATCHUP

After producing a near game-winning fourth quarter effort on Thursday night, Rayjon Tucker will look to play a starring role once again when matched up against fellow import Trey Kell III.

In their first meeting, Tucker kept Kell III quiet for much of the game, limiting the Phoenix guard to just six points on 11 attempts, down significantly from his season average of 11 per game.

If Tucker can limit Kell III, while working to his spots and knocking down open looks from deep (45.5% over his last five games), United will be well placed to take home a huge win.

THE OTHER GUYS

Leading into Throwdown XVII, delivered by DoorDash, SEM will be hoping their stars can shine bright at John Cain Arena.

Mitch Creek sits second in the league in scoring (22.2 points per game) and is coming off a season-best 32-point effort against Perth, while Alan Williams aims to repeat his last game against United (30 points, 14 rebounds).

Absent from SEM’s last game against Melbourne were Kyle Adnam and Ryan Broekhoff, who will hope to bounce back from a difficult scoring game against the Wildcats (1-9 shooting combined).

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs SEM Phoenix

Tip off: 5:30pm (AEDT), Saturday 19 November, 2022

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel

Listen: Cluch Radio