Match Recap: NBL Blitz Game 1 vs Illawarra Hawks

Melbourne United have dropped their opening game of the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz in Darwin, going down to the Illawarra Hawks.

Missing their Captain and Vice Captain, Chris Goulding and Shea Ili, it was always going to be a difficult outing for Melbourne.

In spite of this, United found success inside the arc early, with the likes of Jordan Caroline, Isaac Humphries and Rayjon Tucker sinking shots around the rim to start the game.

It was a tight contest across the first 10 minutes, however United’s reserves more than held their own when they entered the game.

David Okwera, Zac Triplett and Brad Newley all worked their way onto the scorer's sheet, while Ariel Hukporti added terrific rim protection to allow United to draw the game even leading into the first break.

The second term mirrored the first in many ways, as Tuck continued to get buckets (13 first half points), however it was United’s defence, or lack thereof, that made the major difference.

Illawarra’s heavy pick and roll attack continuously hurt Melbourne, with Tyler Harvey and Justin Robinson the major beneficiaries.

The duo combined for 21 first half points, helping the Hawks remain in control for much of the period.

A quick five-point burst from Tuck helped reduce the deficit, however United still found themselves down 38-47 heading into half-time.

Looking for some energy coming out of the major break, Melbourne’s offence couldn’t seem to find any consistency.

It took three minutes of play before United were able to get on the board through a Caroline and-1 bucket, which seemed to light a spark under his teammates.

Following JC's bucket, Melbourne got on a mini roll, putting together a 7-0 run, punctuated by a fast-break dunk from Triplett that brought them within eight points of the Hawks.

Unfortunately for United, that would be as close as they would come to re-taking the lead, as Illawarra answered with a run of their own, closing the term by outscoring Melbourne 13-2, even with a huge chasedown block from Makuach Maluach.

Trailing by 19 as they came out for the final period, Ariel Hukporti looked to lift United back into the game.

Despite playing less than 17 minutes, Big A finished as a team best +10 off the bench, while tallying 13 points and eight rebounds.

His energy provided a boost to open the term, helping United outscore the Hawks 17-11 in the final period, however it was too little, too late for Melbourne.

Rayjon Tucker led all scorers with 20 points in the 68-81 loss.

Melbourne’s next game will be on Wednesday at 8pm against the Perth Wildcats.