Match Recap: NBL23 Round 1 vs New Zealand Breakers

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United have come away with a hard-fought victory in their opening game of the Hungry Jack’s NBL23 season, holding off the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday afternoon.

In front of a raucous crowd, Xavier Rathan-Mayes made the perfect first impression in United colours, cashing in a three-pointer in the opening minute to get Melbourne on the board.

While New Zealand answered back well, going on a run to pull ahead by as many as 12 points, Melbourne’s shooters got hot, bringing the home side back into the game.

David Barlow sunk a pair of triples in the first period, while new addition Lachie Barker notched his first points for United, draining a look from the left wing.

With the crowd up and about as Melbourne put together its run, they were brought to a fever pitch when XRM lobbed a huge alley-oop off the backboard to Rayjon Tucker for a monster slam.

This, combined with an XRM jumper in the closing seconds, capped off a 12-2 run by United to end the term.

Looking to keep their momentum up, Melbourne started sinking shot after shot from beyond the arc.

XRM, Tuck, Barlow and Chris Goulding combined for six long-range makes across the second quarter, helping United take the lead.

With the crowd helping fuel their run, David Okwera kept them on their feet with a strong dunk to help give Melbourne a 45-42 lead going into the major break.

Despite a perfect play resulting in a CG43 three-ball to start the second half, the Breakers battled back, keeping the game close.

Derek Pardon did damage out of the pick and roll, thundering towards the rim time and time again on his way to 23 points and 12 rebounds.

XRM worked tirelessly to keep United rolling, finding his teammates for open looks while working to get his shot in the mid-range.

This effort allowed Melbourne to hold onto a two-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

For much of the fourth period, CG43 controlled the game, dropping threes and getting to the line in what finished as a 24-point performance.

This, combined with strong contributions from XRM and Isaac Humphries, had Melbourne set up for a strong home victory, however a late flurry from Breakers guard Barry Brown Jr (23 points) sent the contest into overtime.

Feeding off the energy of the crowd, Melbourne, and particularly XRM, thrived in big moments.

The Canadian playmaker scored nine points in the extra period to finish with 33 for the game, leading United to a big-time win.

Melbourne will now have a week off before their next contest, when they host the Sydney Kings at John Cain Arena at 4pm next Sunday, 9 October.

Tickets to the game are available here, while fans can still qualify for all the extra bonuses of Membership Week if they sign up tonight!