DrinkWise Preview: Round 17, LifeChanger Cup Game 2 v Illawarra Hawks

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to extend their winning streak to three games at the weekend, while also securing a series victory in the inaugural LifeChanger Cup against the Illawarra Hawks.

After hitting triple-figures in scoring for the second time this season thanks in part to a huge performance from their bench, United are aiming to continue to carry their momentum across the final third of the season.

A win would be the perfect way to celebrate a major club milestone set for Sunday, as Captain Chris Goulding becomes the first player to ever suit up in 200 games for United.

This, and the addition of Championship winning speedster Yudai Baba, is sure to have Melbourne full of confidence heading into their second matchup of the year against Illawarra.

Coming off a pair of statement wins in Round 16, the Hawks will be without leader Brian Gorjian when they travel to John Cain Arena after the coach tested positive for COVID-19.

PLAYER TO WATCH

After missing United’s win over Adelaide with his down COVID encounter, import guard Caleb Agada will be champing at the bit to return to the court.

The Olympian’s mix of size, speed and athleticism has made him one of the most valuable players in the league, ranking in the top 25 for points, rebounds and steals.

In Agada’s last outing against the SEM Phoenix in Throwdown XV, delivered by DoorDash, he played a crucial role for Melbourne, finishing with 13 points and four assists, as well as a steal and a block.

Expect Agada to look for his shot early, while providing his usual brand of top-notch defence.

KEY MATCHUP

In a battle of potential Boomers big-men, all eyes will be on who comes out on top when Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Duop Reath clash in the paint.

Possessing similar games, which player can out-play the other will go a long way in deciding the result.

In their first meeting, Reath outscored JLA, however United’s MVP candidate came away with the last laugh, tallying 15 rebounds and five blocks in the winning effort.

After being awarded the NBL’s Player of the Round last week, the question remains whether Reath will be able to keep up with JLA when they hit the court on Sunday afternoon.

THE OTHER GUYS

The Hawks possess an elite inside-out offence full of dangerous scorers, but have struggled with finding consistent performances across the season.

Tyler Harvey’s production has been way down this season, but remains a threat with his three-ball and floater game.

The trio of Antonius Cleveland, Justinian Jessup and Xavier Rathan-Mayes have done well surrounding Harvey, combining for nearly 40 points per game.

On the interior, Sam Froling will look to help Reath around the basket, while brother Harry Froling will aim to provide a spark off the bench with his size and shooting.

Whether Illawarra can get much of a contribution outside of these seven players remains to be seen.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks
Tip off: 3pm (AEDT), Sunday 27 March, 2022
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Watch: Australia - 10 Peach and Kayo Freebies. International - NBL YouTube