DrinkWise Preview: NBL26 - Preseason v South East Melbourne Phoenix

It’s time for a (preseason) Throwdown!

After dismantling a shorthanded Cairns side last night, we are set for the first taste of what our four Throwdown matchups against the South East Melbourne Phoenix could bring in NBL26.

This will also mark SEM’s second matchup of the preseason, following their 22-point victory over the Taipans on Tuesday evening.

Both teams come into the contest featuring revamped lineups, creating a must-watch preview for the upcoming season.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Milton Doyle was sharp in his first hit-out in United colours, leading the team in scoring with 22 points in 22 minutes.

Speaking after the game, Doyle touched on how he felt during the contest and the team’s mindset this preseason.

A great glimpse at what's to come. Milt was our Player of the Game.
We spoke with him after the game. pic.twitter.com/cXeyKH11vF

— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) August 21, 2025

“I felt great. We’ve been practicing all week working on some things and I think we all looked great out there… We're building right now,” Doyle said.

“(Our mindset was to) push the pace, be aggressive defensively, try to own the boards and just play our game.”

This was echoed by Head Coach Dean Vickerman, who watched the contest from the sideline on Thursday.

“(It was) a great start, we saw some moments where they (Cairns) really fought back and we countered that and finished strong,” Vickerman outlined.

“A lot of people played their first game for United tonight and I think they left a great impression.”

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

While we split our four games with the Phoenix last season, we have owned the rivalry across the past few seasons.

We have won seven of the past nine matchups against SEM, six of which have come by double-digits.

The matchup will see a pair of new import guards, Tyson Walker and Hunter Maldonado, do battle after impressing in their first preseason games.

Walker tallied 12 points and two assists with zero fouls and turnovers on Thursday, while Maldonado registered 11 points, five rebounds and five assists.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs SEM Phoenix 

Tip-off: 6:30pm AEDT, Saturday 23, 2025

Where: State Basketball Centre, Wantirna South

Watch: Melbourne United YouTube and Melbourne United App