Match Recap: Round 16, The Multicultural Game vs Adelaide 36ers

Melbourne United have solidified their spot on top of the NBL22 ladder following a run-away victory over the Adelaide 36ers in The Multicultural Game.

It was a slow start for the defending champs as the Sixers got in front early thanks to a 7-0 run to open the game.

Despite this, United got back in the contest thanks to some strong play from Shea Ili, who entered the starting lineup in the absence of Caleb Agada.

Ili orchestrated the offence well alongside his New Zealand national team partner Dion Prewster, who put together valuable minutes after Matthew Dellavedova went down with a rolled ankle.

This partnership, as well as six points from Jo Lual-Acuil reduced Adelaide’s lead to just two points heading into the quarter-time break. 

Looking to get back on top in the second term, Melbourne went with a super-sized lineup, with Ariel Hukporti and Jack White playing alongside JLA.

This bully-ball look helped United push their way into the lead, with a renewed focus on attacking the paint.

This focus was combined with some strong defence, which was punctuated by a Jack White steal and slam.

United also got a great boost from Brad Newley, who scored nine points off the bench to help Melbourne take hold of a 46-41 lead at the main break. 

Coming out of half-time, Newley kept his foot on the gas, knocking down a pair of three-pointers to bring him up to 15 points, which led all scorers through three quarters.

Seeing Newls knock his looks down clearly inspired United Captain Chris Goulding, who added a pair of triples of his own as Melbourne’s lead began to balloon.

Melbourne had the nearly 6000 fans inside John Cain Arena pumped with exciting plays, including a huge putback dunk from Big A, which he followed up with a strong block to end the quarter.

Leading by 13 points going into the final 10 minutes of action, the game was very much United’s to lose.

Not content with his quiet afternoon despite hurting his ankle, Delly knocked down a pair of three-pointers giving United the buffer needed to run away with the win.

Following those triples, the fun really started.

Everyone for Melbourne was getting involved in the action, as Prewster, Zac Triplett, and David Okwera all produced highlight plays down the stretch.

With the win in their hands, JCA exploded with excitement in the final seconds, as Ariel Hukporti stole the ball and threw down a monstrous dunk to put an exclamation point on the 101-74 victory.

Melbourne will now enjoy a week off before their next game, another home contest, this time against the Illawarra Hawks, on Sunday 27 March at 3pm.