Match Recap: NBL23 Blitz vs Brisbane Bullets

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United have closed their NBL Blitz campaign with an emphatic win over the Brisbane Bullets, clinching the side second place in the preseason tournament.

It was an up and down opening term for United, who struggled to string together solid possessions through the first three minutes of action.

It was Isaac Humphries that eventually got United on the board on an easy putback layup, which seemed to settle things for Melbourne.

United put together a nice 9-2 run, capped off by a silky Chris Goulding triple, to take their first lead of the game.

While this lead was short lived, Melbourne’s pressure on defence limited Brisbane’s opportunities, and kept United in touch with the Bullets for the remainder of the period.

Five quick points from a David Barlow three, followed by a Brad Newley steal and score, cut the Bullets’ lead to just three points to end the quarter.

Coming out of the first break, United’s energy on both ends appeared to trouble Brisbane, who found themselves struggling to put the ball in the hoop.

Melbourne limited the Bullets to just 13 points in the period, while heaping constant pressure on their opponents by crashing the offensive glass.

United feasted on second chance opportunities, tallying 13 such points in the half, while CG43 continued stretching the defence with his hot shooting.

Melbourne’s Captain connected on a pair of triples in term, including a tough stepback look to give his side the lead in the closing minutes.

This, combined with a Humphries floater, gave United a three-point advantage heading into half time.

Looking to keep up their momentum, Isaac Humphries was huge for Melbourne, coming up with big play after big play.

The big man was a menace of defence, challenging everything when Brisbane attacked the rim. On the other end he was just as effective, grabbing offensive rebounds and finishing at the cup with his great touch.

It was on the back of this terrific play, as well as some sweet shooting from the likes of CG43, Jordan Caroline and Xavier Rathan-Mayes that United were able to push their lead out to 10 points leading into the final 10 minutes.

With the end in sight, Melbourne found themselves on the back foot to start the final term, giving up a quick 4-0 run before CG cashed in a three to settle his group.

Goulding finished the game with 19 points, a mark only surpassed by the Bullet’s Tanner Krebs, who kept Brisbane within striking distance with his 21-point performance.

While Krebs looked strong, United’s stout defence and lights out shooting meant Melbourne would be flying home with another win in their pockets, running away with an 80-67 victory.

United’s next game is a can’t miss affair, as they are set to open their NBL23 campaign with a blockbuster matchup with the New Zealand Breakers at John Cain Arena on Sunday 2 October at 2pm.