Match Recap: 2021 NBL Blitz - Game 4 v South East Melbourne Phoenix

Melbourne United have lost their final game of the 2021 Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz, going down in a hard-fought game against South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Melbourne leaned on its strength inside the paint early.

In the absence of towering import Zhuo Qi, Jo Lual-Acuil and Ariel Hukporti attacked the Phoenix at the rim, combining for 12 points and getting South East Melbourne’s other bigs in foul trouble.

With Phoenix focussing on how to limit Melbourne’s effectiveness in the paint, opportunities opened up for United’s shooters.

Chris Goulding found himself with a number of good looks, which he calmly knocked down, including a three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining in the quarter to help Melbourne to a 25-20 advantage.

CG43 stayed hot heading to start the second quarter, adding nine points through the first three minutes, giving him 18 for the half and pushing Melbourne’s lead out to as many as nine points.

However, it was the Phoenix that took control following this run, attacking the rim through Mitch Creek, Izayah Le-afa and Kyle Adnam.

Capitalising on United's turnovers and opportunities at the free-throw line, South East Melbourne were able to erase the deficit and draw the game at 44-44 heading into the main break.

Coming out of half-time, neither team were able to create much separation in the tight contest.

Melbourne leaned upon energy plays from its bench, with Shea Ili, Brad Newley, David Okwera and Ariel Hukporti all contributing big minutes.

Big A that got the crowd of player families making some noise, producing huge highlight plays on both ends. Hukporti notched 5 points, including one huge put-back dunk, and a pair of blocked shots in the term.

Despite this, South East were able to pull ahead leading into the final 10 minutes on the back of strong scoring from Creek, and a buzzer-beating half-court shot from Adnam.

Remaining close down the stretch, the result came down to some fantastic shotmaking from two of the league’s best.

CG continued his hot performance, finishing the game with 26 points, however it was Ryan Broekhoff who ultimately got the last laugh.

Broekhoff (21 points) sank four three-pointers across the final few minutes to help give the Phoenix a two-point lead with only seconds remaining.

United had their opportunities, however couldn’t connect on their possession, going down 89-87.

Melbourne’s next game will be their first of the season, on the road against the Sydney Kings December 5th.

Tickets to United's first three home games are available here.