Match Recap: NBL24 Preseason v Cal Baptist Lancers

Melbourne United have started their preseason with a bang, securing a 28-point victory over California Baptist University on Saturday night.

The first few possessions of the game were a preview of just how this group can dial in defensively, with the likes of Luke Travers and Kyle Bowen locking down CBU’s offence leading to United’s first points of the game.

Tanner Krebs got the crowd on their feet with a fast break dunk before Zac Triplett and Diamond Valley local Daniel Poelsma each cashed in from behind the arc.

Travers kept the scoreboard ticking over, using his size to get inside before Krebs ensured United would take the momentum advantage into the first break, securing an offensive rebound and layup in the dying seconds of the opening term.

This momentum was on show all over the court to start the second quarter, as MU went on a 12-0 run across the first few minutes.

Krebs continued his strong outing, accounting for 11 of those points while shooting a perfect 3/3 from downtown.

United’s offence simply seemed unstoppable for much of the term, with the team leading by as many as 23 points.

17-year-old training player Joel Foxwell netted his first points in MU colours, connecting on a floater before ripping away a steal and laying in a fastbreak score.

Ultimately, Melbourne outscored CBU 30-12 across the 10 minutes, leading to a 50-29 half-time advantage.

While the third quarter may have been a slower showing points-wise from United, the team’s defence remained at its suffocating best.

Travers in particular starred, swallowing up opposing guards with his length and athleticism.

When he wasn’t locking down on defence, he was getting his teammates open looks, finding Krebs and Bowen for a pair of triples to keep Melbourne comfortably in front of the visitors.

Perhaps the highlight of the game came towards the end of the term, when ever-spry Brad Newley chased down one of the CBU guards, erasing his shot against the backboard.

That, and plays mirroring that effort, allowed Melbourne to keep a 22-point lead heading into the final 10 minutes of action.

The fourth quarter was in many ways a copy of the third, seeing United stifle CBU again and again while cashing in on their opportunities at the other end.

Travers continued to fill the stat-sheet, ultimately finishing with 11 points, seven assists, six blocks, six rebounds and three steals.

Ariel Hukporti, who was playing his first game following his season-ending achilles injury before NBL23, showed he is still a threat above the rim, tallying five points and grabbing four rebounds.

In the end, United proved too good for the college visitors, running away with a 87-59 victory.

Melbourne United will next face the Tasmania JackJumpers on August 28 and 30 on the road. Fans will be able to tune in via our YouTube and Facebook pages.