Mitsubishi Match Recap: Hungry Jack’s NBL26 - Round 22 v South East Melbourne Phoenix

Melbourne United have picked up a potentially crucial win to close their Hungry Jack’s NBL26 regular season, overcoming the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Throwdown 32 on Thursday evening.

Playing in front of an amped-up home crowd, United started the game hot from deep, with Chris Goulding, Tyson Walker and Milton Doyle combining for six triples in the opening term.

While the game remained close for much of the quarter, strong play in the paint from the likes of Finn Delany and Tanner Krebs, as well as a buzzer-beating three-ball from Walker, broke the game open, putting Melbourne ahead 33-23.

The scoring slowed in the second, however United’s defence remained stout.

Dash Daniels crashed the offensive glass and locked down on the perimeter, creating extra opportunities for his teammates.

Doyle got in the lane for a floater, Krebs got in on the three-point action, and Jesse Edwards rose up high for a powerful dunk.

The big man wasn’t done, fighting for an o-board in the final seconds which he put back in to beat the clock and keep Melbourne ahead by 10, leading 52-42.

Things looked promising for the home side exiting the major break, as Walker contorted his body mid-air for an acrobatic layup, while Edwards pulled down another offensive rebound for a layup.

Walker and Delany each splashed long-balls during this run, before Goulding went to work inside the arc, breaking his defender's ankles with a crossover leading to a jumper and going up and under the rim to put Melbourne ahead by 16 points.

The Phoenix would however answer emphatically, closing the period on a 22-2 run to take a 68-72 lead into the final term.

With the game on the line, United’s stars stepped up.

Walker and Doyle connected on two more threes to tie the game, which preceded a big offensive rebound from Kyle Bowen leading to another Edwards bucket.

The Phoenix hit back, but again it was Walker and Doyle with two more triples to give Melbourne back the momentum.

Doyle then brought the crowd to their feet with another highlight, getting out on the break following a Goulding steal and slamming home a dunk.

The game would remain close, coming down to the final few possessions. 

In the end, Edwards stood tall, swatting a shot on defence, finishing another putback layup, and knocking down a big free throw to put United in a strong position to close the contest.

Ultimately, a pair of Doyle free throws sealed the deal, securing a 95-91 victory.

Melbourne United now hold a 22-10 record in Throwdown games.

United’s next game will come in the Play-In against either Tasmania or South East Melbourne.

‍