Mitsubishi Match Recap: Hungry Jack’s NBL26 - Round 12, Game 1 v Adelaide 36ers

Melbourne United have dropped their opening game of Round 12, falling on the road to the Adeialde 36ers.

In a hard fought opening term, it was Jesse Edwards who got United on the board, working in the post for a score before Finn Delany pushed the pace on the break to give the visitors an early lead.

Delany had seven points in the period to lead all United scorers, however it was the 36ers who were able to push back in front and build a buffer on the scoreboard.

Making a return to the lineup was Shea Ili, who wasted no time getting involved, scoring on a pair of looks in the paint.

With the team finding success inside, Chris Goulding and Dash Daniels, the latter of which got the first start of his young career, went to work on the perimeter, connecting from deep.

This cut the margin to five points, still trailing 22-27 after ten minutes of play.

While Delany and Edwards each scored from the post to start the quarter, it was Milton Doyle who caught fire and helped keep the scoreboard ticking over for Melbourne.

The import guard tallied 13 points, nine of which came from beyond the arc.

Despite this, the 36ers, thanks to their physical play and offensive connection, were able to pull further ahead, going up by as many as 15 points.

A late surge from Goulding and Ili helped reduce the gap, however a last-second floater from Bryce Cotton set the score at 48-59 at the major break.

Coming out of half time, United worked quickly, with Doyle and Delany each scoring to bring the team within seven points of tying the game.

The 36ers, as they had for much of the night, were able to answer, outscoring Melbourne 10-1 before a Goulding triple brought the run to an end.

Having been struck in the eye earlier in the game, Edwards showcased his resilience, powering his way inside before a last second Daniels three-pointer brought United back within 14 points heading into the fourth.

Needing to be great at both ends to bring themselves back into the game, Melbourne played with elite energy to start the term.

In the first six minutes, United outscored the Sixers 21-5 through a range of contributors, including Delany, Ili, Edwards, Krebs and Doyle and Goulding.

This gave the visitors their first lead since the first quarter, before the 36ers tied the game at the other end.

Development Player Tom Koppens showcased his value following this, getting on the offensive glass for a tip in to retake the advantage.

After trading buckets, United found themselves down three points with 30 seconds remaining before Delany came up clutch, finishing a shot at the basket while being fouled.

He would ultimately knock down the free throw, and some tremendous Ili defence in the final seconds sent the game to overtime tied at 95-95.

Unfortunately for United, the extra period favoured the 36ers.

The home side outscored Melbourne 19-10 in overtime, ultimately taking home the 105-114 victory.

Melbourne United will return home on Sunday afternoon for their next test, a battle with the Sydney Kings from 2:30pm at John Cain Arena.

Tickets are selling fast, so get in quick to secure your seats!

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