Mitsubishi Match Recap: Hungry Jack’s NBL26 - Round 19 v New Zealand Breakers

Melbourne United have gone down on the road, falling by two points to the New Zealand Breakers on Friday evening.

Looking to build on his string of strong performances, Jesse Edwards got United going, scoring from the post early.

Finn Delany and Kyle Bowen both added layups around this, however it was the Breakers who enjoyed the majority of the scoring success, going ahead by as many as 10 points.

Thankfully, the returning Shea Ili provided some great energy, forcing a pair of turnovers and getting to the line for three free throws.

This, combined with a triple from Tanner Krebs and an and-one finish from Fabijan Krslovic, pulled United back within touching distance, trailing 21-28 after 10 minutes.

Needing to cut into the lead quickly, Melbourne’s stars went to work to start the second period.

Edwards scored again from the post, Delany tallied five points in short order on a layup and a three, and Milton Doyle fought through strong defence for a mid-range jumper and layup.

It was Chris Goulding who ultimately tied up the game, sinking his first triple of the game, before Ili re-entered and made his presence felt, scoring five points and setting up another Goulding three-ball to put United up by six.

Tyson Walker came up with a steal and score late in the period, however a 7-0 run from the Breakers in the final 90 seconds flipped the lead and gave New Zealand a 48-49 advantage at the major break.

Coming out of half time, the game remained neck-en-neck.

Edwards continued his strong play, scoring Melbourne’s first six points before Goulding broke free for a mid-range jumper.

Walker used his speed to get into the paint, finishing a pair of layups at the rim, while Doyle bombed away from deep, connecting on two threes.

Trailing by two late in the term, Walker again showcased his defensive skill, coming away with a steal and layup to tie the game, before Krebs sliced to the cup for a layup, giving United a slim 73-71 lead with one quarter to play.

Things looked promising to start the final period for the visitors, as Edwards built on his elite performance, bringing his totals up to 23 points and 14 rebounds.

Two more Goulding threes, plus a triple from Ili after an offensive rebound put United in a strong position with just under five minutes remaining.

Unfortunately, the Breakers saved their best until late, going on an 8-0 run to tie the game at 90-90.

Goulding gave Melbourne back the lead with a silky smooth layup, however six unanswered points had United in a difficult spot.

A Delany three-ball cut the margin to one with 30 seconds left, and a good defensive possession gave Melbourne a final chance, however it was not to be, as New Zealand ended the team’s three-game winning streak with a 95-97 victory.

Melbourne United will finally return home for their next game when they face the Adelaide 36ers inside John Cain Arena on February 7 from 8pm in the team’s Pride Game.

Less than 500 tickets remain for the game, so get in quick to secure your seat.

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