DrinkWise Preview: Throwdown XV v South East Melbourne Phoenix

Written by Melbourne United Media

All eyes are set to be on John Cain Arena for Throwdown XV, delivered by DoorDash on Sunday afternoon as Melbourne United face the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Coming off their biggest loss of the season, United will look to get back to their winning ways, having won 13 of their previous 15 games prior to Thursday night.

Holding onto bragging right following their Round 12 win over the Phoenix, a win on Sunday afternoon will improve Melbourne’s overall Throwdown advantage to 10-5.

For SEM, the fight to stay in the top-four is very real, with a loss potentially dropping the Phoenix out of the finals picture.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Having played in every Throwdown to date, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr will look to build upon his stellar record against SEM.

JLA dominated everyone the Phoenix threw at him in Round 12, tallying a career-high 30 points on just 13 shots, to go along with nine rebounds and three blocks.

Coming off another strong performance, the big man could see some more time playing alongside fellow seven-footer Ariel Hukporti, who has been dominating in his minutes behind Jo.

After combining for 30 points and five blocks against the Wildcats, United Head Coach Dean Vickerman said he will have to look at ways to incorporate the pair moving forward.

KEY MATCHUP

The question of which point guard will come away on top will be a major factor on Sunday, as Matthew Dellavedova and Xavier Munford go head-to-head.

Delly was one of United’s bright spots on Thursday night, scoring 15 points and dishing out five assists.

When at his best, Delly has played like one of the league’s best guards, locking down the opposition and scoring from all over the court.

He will hope to do this again on Sunday against SEM’s Munford, who has shown flashes of brilliance since returning from injury.

With a quick first step and lights-out mid-range game, look for the import to be aggressive from the opening tip.

THE OTHER GUYS

SEM have relied heavily on starting hot across their 11 wins this season, averaging over seven more first-quarter points in wins than in losses.

A large part of this comes down to forward Mitch Creek establishing himself, as well as wing-partner Ryan Broekhoff getting hot from deep.

Outside of that duo, contributions have been up and down for the Phoenix this season, with Kyle Adnam, Izayah Le’afa and Xavier Munford all able to score when needed.

Inside, SEM’s defence has been strong, with Zhou Qi and Brandon Ashley anchoring their side in the paint.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Tip off: 3pm (AEDT), Sunday 13 March, 2022

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

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