DrinkWise Preview: Semi-Final Game Three v SEM Phoenix

It will be a Game 3 Throwdown on Tuesday night in the biggest game of the season so far for Melbourne United. After winning convincingly in Game 1, United couldn’t control the Phoenix down the stretch of Game 2 and that means it all comes to a do-or-die Game 3 with a ticket to the Grand Final up for grabs.

With everything on the line, its time to unite, Melbourne. The fan and member support – far and wide – has been felt all season long, driving the team to new heights and with a spot in the Grand Final being the prize on Tuesday night, it’s time to get behind your team once again.

THE DIFFERENCE IN GAME TWO

After a back-and-forth battle through three quarters, the fourth quarter was ultimately the difference in the game.

United held a four-point lead at final break, 70-66, but the Phoenix – specifically Mitch Creek – took control of the game in the final 10 minutes of the game. With the contest in the balance and Melbourne leading by four points, 76-72, with just over six minutes to play, South East Melbourne put the clamps on defensively and United was held to just three points from then on.

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On the other side, Creek scored nine points and led his team home. Foul trouble limited United’s ability to find consistency in their line-ups and with Landale fouling out in just 13 minutes of playing time, the superstar big man was unable to find his groove on either end of the court.

With the season on the line and a chance to make it to a Grand Final, expect Landale to have a much bigger impact in Game 3 on Tuesday night.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Scotty Hopson has been a man on a mission in the second half of the season and has taken his game to another level in the post-season.

After recording 22 points (three triples) and 3 assists, while shooting a very efficient 81% from the field in Game 1, Hopson followed that up with a team-high 19 points (three triples), 4 rebounds and 2 blocks in Game 2.

He has come into his own in the post-season and his role is absolutely vital in being the offensive leader of the second unit. Hopson’s ability to create his own offence is key as he’s come up with big buckets in big moments throughout the season.

With Hopson and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. both coming off the bench, Dean Vickerman has two great options as focal points of the offence when he goes to his second unit.

Hopson will have a huge role to play in Game 3 and if his recent form is anything to go by, he’ll be ready to go come 7:30pm on Tuesday night.

THE OTHER GUYS

South East Melbourne was able to come away with the win on Sunday afternoon and it was Creek, Keifer Sykes and Yannick Wetzell who led the way.

As mentioned earlier, Creek was the man in the fourth quarter. He finished with 26 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in 37 minutes of game time.

Sykes was just as important and made sure South East Melbourne stayed within touch in the third quarter. He finished with 26 points, 4 assists and 3 steals in 30 minutes of playing time.

Wetzell made the most of Landale’s foul trouble and limited playing time by being the dominant big man on the floor. He was crucial on both ends of the court for the Phoenix, finishing with 20 points and 8 rebounds.

Izayah Mauriohooho-Le Afa played a key role for South East Melbourne off the bench. The young guard played 24 minutes and finished with 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, including a big fourth quarter three-pointer.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United v South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Tip off: 7:30pm (AEST), Tuesday 15 June.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney.
Watch: ESPN, SBS VICELAND, and SBS On Demand.