Match Recap: NBL23 Blitz vs Perth Wildcats

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United have registered their first win of the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz in dominant fashion, thumping the Perth Wildcats by 27 points.

After a scoreless opening minute of action, Xavier Rathan-Mayes was the one to break the deadlock, sliding through the paint to put United’s first points on the board.

While Melbourne slowed after this, giving up a 6-0 run, they answered with a mighty push, highlighted by Dean Vickerman’s trademark defence.

Everyone was getting involved on both ends, stifling the Wildcats and getting out for fast break opportunities en route to a 14-2 run.

Isaac Humphries was a standout in the term, coming off the bench to score six quick points, while Zac Triplett ended the quarter in style, sinking a buzzer-beating three-ball from the corner to give United a 21-11 advantage.

Melbourne’s momentum didn’t slow as they came out for the second period, with Chris Goulding cashing in on his first triple of the Blitz.

Just when it seemed like things couldn’t get better for United, David Barlow showed everyone that he’s still got hops, bringing his teammates to their feet with a fast-break dunk.

Star guard Rayjon Tucker looked to back up his claim as the best new import, leading all scorers with 11 points at half-time, while getting his teammates involved.

David Okwera also shined, connecting on a nice floater before coming up with an emphatic rejection the very next possession.

With Melbourne up by 21 with the clock running down, the Wildcats were able to slightly cut into the lead as Brady Manek sank a buzzer-beating three to end the first half.

Coming out of the break, United couldn’t have gotten off to a better start, as Rayjon Tucker sped past his man to throw down a huge dunk.

This was almost immediately followed up by a great defensive play from Ariel Hukporti, who came away with a steal and a fast-break slam as a result.

That would unfortunately be one of his final plays of the evening before the big man went down with a lower body injury.

Despite seeing their teammate being taken back to the locker room, United were able to keep it together, pouring on the points as their lead ballooned to 26 points on the back of a Tucker buzzer-beating three.

It was more of the same in the final term, as Melbourne’s D suffocated Perth and created opportunities for their offence.

David Okwera made a strong impact in his fourth quarter minutes, scoring seven of his nine points in the quarter.

In the end, United were able to cruise to victory, outscoring the Wildcats in every period on the way to a 27-point win.

XRM led all scorers with 22 points, while Tuck added 18 points and seven rebounds.

United will play their final game of the NBL Blitz on Friday night at 8pm against the Brisbane Bullets.