DrinkWise Preview: Round 16, The Multicultural Game v Adelaide 36ers

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to close their season series against the Adelaide 36ers with a win on Sunday afternoon in The Multicultural Game.

Fresh off their come-from-behind victory in Throwdown XV, delivered by DoorDash in Round 15, United are aming to build upon their buffer on top of the NBL22 ladder.

Looking for a measure of revenge following their overtime loss to the Sixers in their last meeting, expect Melbourne to come out with the level of intensity that has kept the defending champs in the top four for the majority of the season.

For the visitors, building upon their Friday night drubbing against the Cairns Taipans, which brought an end to a five-game losing streak, will be front of mind.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Coming off a pair of single-digit scoring games, United Captain Chris Goulding showcased why you can never count the sharpshooter out.

Heading into the fourth quarter against SEM with just three points, CG43 went bananas in the final term.

Goulding scored 13 points, including a deep triple to give United a four-point buffer with less than a minute remaining, in the final eight minutes to help lift Melbourne to their improbable win.

Look for CG to get to his spots for open looks while stretching the defence, creating opportunities for his teammates.

KEY MATCHUP

Two of the brightest young players in the NBL will face off when Adelaide heads to Melbourne, as Ariel Hukporti matches up against Kai Sotto.

Big A has had heads turning all year, bringing in attention globally from scouts with his jaw-dropping athleticism and growth on the court.

Hukporti had one of his best outings in United's last game, closing the contest with a pair of game-changing blocks in the final three minutes.

Sotto will have to be prepared going against the Big A, who has averaged over 11 points, close to five rebounds and two blocks per contest over his last six games.

The Filipino big-man is coming off his worst offensive game of NBL22, scoring zero points on seven attempts against the Taipans.

THE OTHER GUYS

Returning to John Cain Arena for the first time since hoisting the NBL21 Championship as a member of United, Sunday will be a big day for Mitch McCarron.

The guard is coming off one of his best games of the year, tallying 21 points and 10 rebounds against the Taipans on Friday night.

The Sixers will surround McCarron with capable shooting from all over the court. Daniel Johnson and Cam Bairstow can get it done inside and out, while Sunday Dech and Dusty Hannahs fire away from the wing.

Tad Dufelmeier and Mojave King are big X-factors for Adelaide. If the pair of former Taipans can put together a strong supplementary showing, United will be in for a battle.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers

Tip off: 1pm (AEDT), Sunday 20 March, 2022

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: Australia - 10 Peach and Kayo Freebies. International - NBL YouTube