Match Recap: NBL23 Preseason vs St Mary’s Gaels

Melbourne United have gone down in their first hit out of the preseason, falling short against a tough St Mary’s side.

With only one practice together prior to the game, United were forced to operate a toned back system to help its five new additions settle into the game.

It started relatively well, with Melbourne finding open looks from beyond the arc and cashing in on their opportunities.

Shea Ili and Makuach Maluach both connected on their first two attempts from deep, before Zac Triplett entered the game in front of his home-town Keilor crowd and added a pair of threes of his own.

Despite this, St Mary’s were able to hold onto their lead, which was extended to seven points heading into the first break thanks to a buzzer-beating tip-in.

Things appeared to be starting to click for United throughout the second term, as they slowly cut into the lead while producing some highlight plays, such as a big time alley-oop slam from Ili to Ariel Hukporti.

This, combined with a perfect shooting half from Ili and some nice contributions from Melbourne’s bench saw the lead reduced to just four points heading into the second half.

With 20 minutes of play under their belts, United came out looking strong to start the third quarter.

Newly signed Development Player Josh Duach impressed on both ends, locking down on defence while remaining aggressive on offence.

He, along with a three from David Barlow, propelled Melbourne into the lead, however it was not long lived.

The Gaels hit back well, going on a run of their own to close the quarter and ballooning their lead to 14 points.

Much like the third term, the final 10 minutes had its ups and downs for United.

New additions Maluach and Development Player Malith Machar combined for a slick alley-oop, and David Okwera impressed with his rim protection, however without the time to truly mesh as a group, Melbourne faltered against the well-drilled St Mary’s outfit.

Despite the 21-point loss, there’s still plenty of optimism around United as the team continues to mesh and add in local talent like Chris Goulding, Isaac Humphries and Mason Peatling, as well as their trio of dynamite imports, Rayjon Tucker, Jordan Caroline and Xavier Rathan-Mayes.

To lock in your seats to see United hit the court at John Cain Arena, secure your membership and stand United today!

Full season, five and three game memberships are available now, and are the best way to support your team across the season.

Tickets for all 14 of United’s home game have also gone on sale today, and with can’t miss events like the Open Air Game, The Multicultural Game, a pair of Throwdowns and much more on their way, the time is now to make sure you don’t miss a moment of Melbourne’s NBL23 campaign.