Mitsubishi Match Recap: Hungry Jack’s NBL26 - Round 6 v Adelaide 36ers

Melbourne United have extended their winning streak to nine games following a nail-bitting contest against the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday afternoon.

Jesse Edwards started the game with force, powering his way inside for a poster dunk.

The big-man worked his way to the free throw line following this, as did Tanner Krebs in his 150th NBL game.

Fabijan Krslovic continued his career-best shot-blocking season, walling up perfectly on a number of possessions and coming away with a swat at the defensive end, which led to great opportunities on offence for Finn Delany and Chris Goulding.

While the defence was strong, United were only able to manage 14 first quarter points, and entered the first break down by three.

It was a back and forth affair to start the second, with both sides trading the lead.

Delany connected from outside, Edwards skied for another dunk, and Tyson Walker raced to the rim for a score, but the home side wasn’t able to create any separation.

Late in the term, some tough look from Melbourne’s tough shot makers; Milton Doyle from deep and Goulding on a four-point play, pushed the home side back in front 40-37 at half time.

Coming out of the major break, Edwards, who had played limited minutes due to foul trouble, went to work in the paint. 

He tallied nine quick points, using his sheer size to overwhelm the 36ers before Goulding fired again from three.

Adelaide kept fighting back, not allowing Melbourne to push themselves too far ahead despite a pair of makes at the hoop from Walker and Kyle Bowen.

This kept United ahead, leading 59-55 with 10 minutes remaining.

Mirroring the third term, Edwards was unstoppable around the rim in the fourth.

The big-man got up for an alley-oop before finishing a pair of looks in the post. Edwards would finish the game with a perfect 10-10 shooting clip and 25 points in just under 20 minutes.

The 36ers were able to respond, pushing ahead by as many as seven points with time running low, however Melbourne, buoyed by a sold-out crowd, wouldn’t give up.

Trailing by four with less than two minutes remaining, Doyle connected from deep, and after a stop at the other end, Delany found Edwards for another slam, giving United a 78-77 advantage.

DJ Vasiljevic was able to put Adelaide back in the driver's seat with a triple of his own, however with the game on the line, Walker came up the most clutch.

Doyle was long on his game-winning attempt, however Edwards was able to tip the ball out to Walker, who calmly cashed in his look to give Melbourne a 81-80 victory.

United will next play a blockbuster home game against the Sydney Kings on Monday 3 November, Melbourne Cup Eve, from 7:30pm.

Tickets are available here.

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