Match Recap: Round 17, LifeChanger Cup Game 2 vs Illawarra Hawks

Melbourne United have had their two-game winning streak snapped by the Illawarra Hawks in Game 2 of the LifeChanger Cup Series.

The energy at John Cain Arena was at an awesome level even before tip-off, as the United faithful welcomed back Yudai Baba back after he landed back in Melbourne on Sunday morning.

This energy carried over into the opening few plays as the defending champs scored on their first pair of possessions down the court.

This unfortunately didn’t last long, as the Hawks put together a strong 11-0 run to take control of the quarter.

United were able to cut into the deficit to close the term, finding success when attacking the rim and closing within six points of the visitors.

The second period started much like the first, with Melbourne tallying the opening well before an Illawarra run.

Led by some great energy plays from the likes of Jack White (three first half blocks) and Chris Goulding, United went on a 9-1 to take the lead.

This advantage was however short lived, as the Hawks answered emphatically with an even stronger run.

Illawarra capitalised United’s on turnovers and missed opportunities, scoring the final 12 points of the term to take an 11-point lead into the main break.

United’s energy had clearly lifted coming into the second half, thanks in part to the amazing support from the JCA crowd in the club’s Member Appreciation Game.

Inside, Jo Lual Acuil Jr and Ariel Hukporti were making things happen, scoring well and causing issues defensively.

This impact was however hindered by fouls, limiting Melbourne’s rotation and giving the Hawks easy points at the free-throw line.

Illawarra hit on 19 of their 27 trips to the charity stripe and scored 16 points off United’s turnovers, helping the visitors take a 12-point lead into the final 10 minutes.

Things unfortunately didn’t get any better for United in the fourth quarter, as the Hawks found an answer for everything Melbourne threw their way.

Brad Newley did his best to provide some juice off the bench, scoring seven points, while JLA went to work when he found his opportunities, finishing with 18 points.

The JCA crowd stayed loud for the end of the game, cheering hard when young-gun Zac Triplett nailed a three-pointer in the closing minutes of the game.

Illawarra ultimately ran away the comfortable win, evening the LifeChanger Cup Series at 1-1 heading into the next time the teams meet on Saturday.

Despite the loss, United remained on top of the NBL22 ladder.