Mitsubishi Match Recap: NBL26 - Preseason v Brisbane Bullets

Melbourne United have won their final game of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 preseason, beating the Brisbane Bullets by 18 points on the Sunshine Coast.

United were able to get off to the perfect start, dominating at both ends of the floor.

Finn Delany opened the game’s scoring with a layup before Jesse Edwards went upstairs for a pair of slams.

A Tanner Krebs block and floater followed, helping the visitors open up a 10-0 lead in the first three minutes.

While the Bullets were able to get on the board, Shea Ili, playing his first game of the preseason, inserted himself into the action as soon as he subbed in, getting to the hoop for an and-one finish and swiping the ball for a steal.

Next Star Dash Daniels showcased his athleticism on the fast break, throwing down a two-handed dunk before playing facilitator to Kyle Bowen, who rose up to catch an alley-oop from the 17-year-old. Bowen was huge in the opening term, tallying nine points.

Some sweet jump shooting from the likes of Fabijan Krslovic and Tanner Krebs, including a buzzer-beating make from the former, helped Melbourne end the quarter with a 33-14 lead.

Desperate to claw their way back into the game, Brisbane came out hot to start the second period, outscoring United 10-2 across the first few minutes.

Another Ili steal and layup and a pair of buckets from Tyson Walker helped to push the Bullets back, as Melbourne settled into a groove on offence.

Krebs connected again from deep, Delany got inside for a layup, and Edwards slammed home another dunk, putting United up by 19 before two late makes from the home side set the scoreboard at 52-37 going into the major break.

After a strong first half, Edwards went to work to start the third, scoring six quick points, two of which came on the back of a slick assist from Development Player Tom Koppens.

Despite this, the Bullets surged back into the game, reducing the margin to 11.

A Krslovic three acted as a steadier for United, however it was Milton Doyle who broke the game open.

The import guard personally outscored Brisbane 12-4 across a two-minute stretch, connecting on three straight long-range looks before finishing a layup through contact.

That, as well as a block and steal from Edwards, put the visitors up 77-61 with one term remaining. 

Eager to put the result beyond doubt, United executed their offence well across the final period.

A perfect out-of-bounds play resulted in a Kyle Bowen jam, Ili worked his way inside for a high-arcing mid-ranger, and Edwards carved out space inside for a pair of layups.

Delany and Krebs then went to work from deep, combining for four triples to quiet the crowd on the Sunshine Coast and lead Melbourne to a 108-90 victory.

That concludes a preseason which saw the team go 4-1, providing valuable momentum ahead of the start of their Hungry Jack's NBL26 campaign, which starts next week on the road against the Tasmania JackJumpers on Thursday 18 September from 7:30pm. 

Fans can tune in via Disney+ or Kayo.

Following this, United will return to Melbourne for their first home game back inside of John Cain Arena on Sunday 21 September from 2:30pm. Tickets are selling fast, so get in quick to secure your seat!