Mitsubishi Match Recap: Hungry Jack’s NBL26 - Round, 1 Game 1 v Tasmania JackJumpers

Melbourne United have kicked off their Hungry Jack’s NBL26 campaign with a huge road victory over the Tasmania JackJumpers.

It was two of United’s freshest faces that got the team going to start the game, as Tyson Walker connected on two free throws before Jesse Edwards went upstairs for a powerful alley-oop jam.

Some strong work on the offensive glass produced Melbourne’s next pair of buckets, as Edwards finished a second make through contact and Walker connected on a corner triple.

Milton Doyle settled in quickly playing against his former team, working his way into the mid-range for his first points in United colours, while Dash Daniels opened up his professional account with a layup.

With two minutes remaining, eight quick points; five from Finn Delany and a buzzer-beating three from Doyle, gave the visitors a one-point advantage after one period.

Delany stayed hot to start the second quarter, adding seven points in under five minutes of court time to the score ticking over for United.

Quick hands from Walker also helped, with the American swiping away an inbounds pass and finishing a layup plus the foul.

It was neck-en-neck for much of the term, with Melbourne trading leads with the JackJumpers following a dunk from Fabijan Krslovic in his 200th game, another Edwards second-chance score, and finally another Doyle buzzer beater, giving the side a 47-46 lead at the major break.

After flexing his muscle on the offensive end in the first half, Edwards showcased his elite defensive ability coming out of half time.

The towering Dutchman tallied a pair of blocks in the first few minutes, forced a shot clock violation and fed Tanner Krebs for a deep triple.

Shea Ili got in on the action, cashing in from three and the mid-range to keep Melbourne in front.

Doyle did likewise, making a tough turn around to close the quarter, however the JackJumpers responded quickly, tying the contest heading into the fourth.

In a hard fought final period, Melbourne’s stars stood tall.

Everyone did their part to keep the scoreboard ticking over, however it was Doyle who rose above everyone down the stretch.

With the game tied at 81-81, the import guard came off a screen and connected from the midrange, breaking the deadlock.

He was far from done however, and after a clutch stop from the team’s defence, he sized up Josh Bannan, wound down the clock, and buried a triple right in his face, sealing a 88-84 road victory.

United will fly home from Tasmania and prepare for their first home game of the season against the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday 21 September from 2:30pm.

Tickets remain on sale here.