DrinkWise Preview: Throwdown XVI, delivered by DoorDash v SEM Phoenix

Written by Melbourne United Media

Fresh off their big win over the Perth Wildcats on Monday, Melbourne United are preparing for another huge game on Thursday, a Throwdown XVI, delivered by DoorDash matchup with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

After a pair of uncharacteristic losses, Melbourne looked back to their suffocating best to close Round 18, allowing only 31 second-half points and forcing 15 turnovers at RAC Arena.

A win over the Phoenix would be United’s third in a row after dropping their first meeting of the season, and would bring the all-time Throwdown record to 11-5.

Heading into Thursday SEM are fighting to keep their Hungry Jack’s Finals hopes afloat, having lost six of their last seven games, all by single-digits, and dropping to sixth on the NBL22 ladder.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Against Perth, Matthew Dellavedova showcased why he has to be considered one of the elite guards in the NBL.

Not only was his defensive effort at its usual all-consuming best, but his jumper kept the Wildcats honest every minute he was on the floor.

Despite a trio of single-digit scoring games heading into Monday night, Delly’s confidence never waivered, leading to a 17-point, five three-pointer performance.

Speaking to Andrew Gaze on SEN during the week, Assistant Coach Darryl “Dmack” McDonald praised Delly’s confidence in his jumpshot.

Averaging 14.7 points and five assists on 40% shooting from deep against the Phoenix this season, look for Delly to be aggressive again on Thursday.

KEY MATCHUP

If the previous three games between United and SEM are anything to go by, we’re set for a colossal battle in the paint between Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Zhou Qi.

The pair of seven-footers have gone at each other so far this season, throwing down monster slams and sending away north of three blocks per game each.

JLA will be hoping to replicate perhaps his best performance of the season, a 30-point, nine-rebound, three-block, three-three-pointer game in Round 12 against the Phoenix on Thursday night.

THE OTHER GUYS

If SEM wants to keep its postseason hopes alive, Mitch Creek has to perform at his best.

The forward has had success against United (22 points per game), but has slowed of late, shooting just over 20% from deep.

Creek will look for support from guards Xavier Munford, Kyle Adnam and Izayah Le’afa, who have combined for 34.7 points per game against United this season.

Still missing Ryan Broekhoff, getting contributions from the likes of Cam Gliddon, Ruben Te Rangi and Brandon Ashley will be crucial for SEM.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
Tip off: 7.30pm (AEST), Thursday 7 April, 2022
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Watch: Australia - ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel. International - NBL YouTube