Match Recap: NBL22 Round 3, Game 2 vs NZ Breakers

Melbourne United has won its second game in a row, pulling away late to keep the New Zealand Breakers without a victory in their first five games.

The energy at John Cain Arena was high coming into the game, as the Melbourne faithful cheered hard for the returning Jack White, who came out to a standing ovation.

That excitement continued to rise once the game got under way, as United’s defense frustrated the Breakers, resulting in baskets for the defending champs.

Jo Lual-Acuil Jnr and Dave Barlow sent away shots at the rim on back-to-back possessions, while Caleb Agada continued to showcase why he is one of the league’s best imports.

Agada scored 10 points in the opening term while locking down his opposing man, helping Melbourne to a 21-14 advantage at the first break.

The second quarter, however, started slowly for United, with the home side only managing six points across the first eight minutes of the term.

Thankfully, their defense held up, thanks to great work on the perimeter from Delly and Agada, and staunch rim protection from the likes of JLA, Ariel Hukporti and Jack White.

A quick scoring flurry in the final two minutes ensured Melbourne remained in front, leading 34-31, going into half time.

United continued this scoring push coming out of the main break, opening the second half on a 10-2 run.

Chris Goulding caught fire across much of the third term, knocking down multiple three pointers and helping the home side extend its lead to nine points going into the final 10 minutes. 

The final quarter was all Melbourne traffic, with perhaps the biggest bright spark of the game coming from White, who made winning plays every minute he was on the court.

White finished with six points, eight rebounds, a pair of blocks, and was plus 25 in his 18 minutes of action.

Between his activity, and CG43 forgetting how to miss (21 points, seven three pointers), United were able to comfortably put the game away, finishing the contest with a 23-point victory.

A testament to how hard this team works on the defensive end, this marks the second consecutive game where Melbourne has not allowed 20 points in a quarter.

United’s next game will be on the road against the Sydney Kings on Boxing Day at 3pm.