DrinkWise Preview: Semi-Final Game Two v SEM Phoenix

Melbourne United is just one win away from the 2021 NBL Grand Final Series and it’s time to unite. With the team playing unselfish and exciting basketball, Melbourne sent a message by taking care of business against South East Melbourne on Friday night.

It was a total team effort, led by superstar performances by Jock Landale and Scotty Hopson, that saw United claim Game One of the Semi-Final Series by 18 points, 96-78. With a chance to book their ticket to the Grand Final Series, expect more of the same from Melbourne on Sunday afternoon in Sydney.

THE DIFFERENCE IN GAME ONE

Three-point shooting and bench production were keys to United’s convincing win in Game One.

Landale scored the first points of the game with a triple and that was the start of a night that saw United shoot a very healthy 46% from deep (13/28). The triples rained down all game long and in that dominant third quarter, it was a three-point party as Landale, Hopson and David Barlow all hit shots from deep.

Melbourne outscored South East Melbourne by 18 points, 39-21, from three-point land, which ultimately was the final margin. Landale (four triples), Hopson, Goulding (three triples each) and Barlow (two triples) all finished with multiple three-pointers.

The bench was led by Hopson, who has been in fine form lately, and United’s bench outscored the Phoenix’s by 18 points, 46-28, which once again was the final margin in the game.

Hopson (22 points and 3 assists) shot a ridiculously efficient 81% from the field, while Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. and Shea Ili both chipped in with 9 points each.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Who else but Jock Landale?

Having starred all season long, Landale continued his stellar form and was the focal point of United’s offence from the opening jump.

He scored from the outside, draining four of five triples, and in the paint, scoring on six of nine attempts inside the arc. His versatility really is something else and that was on full display on Friday night.

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Finishing with 26 points in just 21 minutes, Landale was a man on a mission as he took control of the game and was a key figure in helping to build United’s big lead over the second and third quarters.

The Phoenix had no answer for Landale and having talked all season long about his only goal being a Championship, you can expect the big man to come out ready to dominate again in Game Two.

THE OTHER GUYS

South East Melbourne struggled with turnovers in the first half and it cost them dearly as it allowed Melbourne’s offence to get going with transition buckets.

Mitch Creek’s early foul trouble saw him subbed out after just a couple of minutes and that was a massive blow for the Phoenix as United took advantage and started to gain control of the game over that period.

Creek fought his way into the game to finish with 15 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals as he found his groove, but it was too late for South East Melbourne.

Ben Moore was key for the Phoenix, giving a huge burst of energy when he checked into the game in the first quarter. His hustle plays and buckets kept South East Melbourne in the game in the first quarter, before Melbourne blew the game apart in the second term.

Keifer Sykes was kept in check by United’s guards, finishing with 12 points and 2 assists, while Ryan Broekhoff – who threatened to get going with two early triples in the third quarter – was also well held, finishing with 8 points.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United v South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Tip off: 3:00pm (AEST), Sunday 13 June.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney.
Watch: ESPN, SBS VICELAND, and SBS On Demand.