DrinkWise Preview: Round 13 Game 1 v NZ Breakers

Currently riding a five-game winning streak, Melbourne United will be hoping to continue their blistering form when they take on the New Zealand Breakers at John Cain Arena on Saturday night.

These two teams have met twice already this season and both games went down to the wire with United coming away with three-point wins in each encounter. This one promises to be a great spectacle!

PLAYER TO WATCH

Mitch McCarron has been one of United’s most consistent players this season and he has constantly risen to the occasion in clutch moments, helping Melbourne claim wins. He did exactly that on Sunday, delivering 14 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals in United’s comeback win over the Cairns Taipans.

McCarron’s move to the full-time point guard role has been a great move for United and he’s leading the team in minutes per game (32) and assists per game (4.6). He’s the barometer for Melbourne and with a chance to further solidify themselves in the top two on the ladder, McCarron will be ready to go come Saturday night.

With the Webster brothers coming town, McCarron’s defensive work will be just as important as ever.

KEY MATCH UP

Two dominant forces will be going head-to-head on Saturday night when Jock Landale and Colton Iverson match up.

United fans have seen Landale dominate all season long with his versatility causing headaches for the opposition, while Iverson has well and truly found his feet in the NBL after an incredible 26-point and 22-rebound performance against the South East Melbourne Phoenix last round.

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Iverson did all he could for the Breakers and although they fell short against the Phoenix, there was no doubt that Iverson sent a message to the rest of the league that he loves to battle in the paint and can play huge minutes each game.

Landale was again impressive last outing for United with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, as well as dishing out 6 assists. With Jack White out with an achilles injury, even more of the frontcourt load will fall on the shoulders of Landale going forward.

THE OTHER GUYS

Away from home for the entire season, New Zealand has battled hard despite their record of 5 wins and 12 losses.

The Webster brothers are the superstars of the Breakers and after missing three weeks of action due to injury, Corey returned to the court last weekend against the Phoenix. He’s such an integral part of what New Zealand does and can catch fire at any moment.

Having Corey back also takes some of the offensive pressure off Tai, who has been great this season, highlighted by averages of 19.4 points, 6 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game. Both Webster brothers are capable of taking over games, so United’s backcourt will need to be ready from the opening tip in order to slow them down.

As mentioned earlier, Iverson has been great for New Zealand in recent times and he provides a big paint presence for the team.

Finn Delany and Tom Abercrombie are also key players for the Breakers. Delany has been tremendous for the Breakers in their last six games, averaging 19.2 points per game and providing plenty of offensive firepower.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United v New Zealand Breakers.
Tip off: 8:00pm (AEST), Saturday 10 April.
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne.
Tickets: https://bit.ly/3waU1wJ
Watch: ESPN and SBS On Demand.