Mitsubishi Match Recap: Hungry Jack’s NBL26 - Round 5 v New Zealand Breakers

Melbourne United have collected their eighth-straight win to start the new season, thrashing the Cairns Taipans by 27 points on the road.

Eager to continue his career-best season, Tanner Krebs got United going immediately, scoring off a back-cut for the game’s opening points.

The sharpshooter did a bit of everything to start the contest, tallying seven points, a rebound and a steal in just over five minutes of action.

Jesse Edwards produced his usual collection of highlights, swatting a shot on defence before rising up on the other end for a pair of powerful slams.

Also going upstairs was Kyle Bowen, who was the recipient of a great feed following a steal from Dash Daniels.

Perhaps the most impactful player was Tyson Walker, who was +18 in his seven minutes. The New York product found his teammates, got to the free-throw line and locked down his opposing number.

Chris Goulding provided United with the perfect close to the quarter, breaking free for his first three-point make of the day, which came while being fouled, giving the visitors a 31-16 lead at the break.

While Melbourne’s defence remained stout to start the second, they struggled to find consistent offence.

Milton Doyle and Finn Delany each came up with tough buckets, as did Goulding from the corner for his second triple, however United managed just 17 points across the period, their second lowest for the entire season.

For much of the quarter, they were able to limit the Taipans and keep the lead beyond 20 points, however a late surge, fuelled by offensive rebounds and three-pointers, allowed Cairns to cut into the margin and set the score at 48-34 at the major break.

Coming out of half time, it was Delany and Doyle who provided a spark with their scoring.

First, Delany cashed in on a corner three-ball before Doyle worked his way inside for one of three mid-range makes in quick succession.

Krebs and Edwards each got in on the action, connecting on their looks at the rim, while at the other end, United’s defence stayed strong, limiting the Taipans to a third-straight sub-20 point period.

That allowed Melbourne to push their lead back out to 21 points heading into the final term.

Not getting complacent, United continued to pile on the points in the fourth.

Walker scored the first five points of the quarter before Goulding broke free for his third triple, extending the advantage beyond 25 points.

Even when the bench squad entered the game for the final few minutes, the offensive onslaught did not relent, ultimately ending with a 94-67 victory.

This is United’s eighth consecutive win and gives the team more momentum heading into a top-of-the-table showdown with the Adelaide 36ers inside John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon.

Tickets remain available here.

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