Mitsubishi Match Recap: NBL26 - Preseason v South East Melbourne Phoenix

Melbourne United have secured their second victory of the preseason, taking down the SEM Phoenix at State Basketball Centre on Saturday evening.

In a disjointed first period, United took some time to find their rhythm.

Finn Delany and Tyson Walker each cashed in from downtown, while Fabijan Krslovic and Malith Machar went upstairs to swat a pair of shots at the other end.

Foul trouble however hampered Melbourne, as the Phoenix went to the line 14 times for ten points, helping the home side go up by 12 points to close the first period.

SEM were able to extend their advantage to 22 points to start the second term before some strong play from Krslovic started to turn the tide.

The big-man scored 10 points in quick succession, which appeared to inject some extra energy into his teammates.

Bowen powered through defenders for two tough layups, Walker forced a turnover leading to a three-pointer, and Delany broke free for a pick-and-pop triple, reducing the Phoenix lead to just eight points.

Each team traded free-throws to close the quarter, with the first half ending with SEM up 40-49.

Looking to take control of the game, Walker caught fire coming out of the major break.

The import guard could not miss from deep, splashing all four of his looks from beyond the arc to push Melbourne into the lead for the first time.

Solid inside play from Nic Tata and an and-one bucket from Dash Daniels helped United build on the margin, however a late flurry from the Phoenix allowed them to recapture the lead at the period’s close.

Despite a 7-0 start from South East Melbourne, United fought back quickly thanks to some great play from Machar.

The athletic wing tallied nine of the team’s first 11 points of the period, tying up the game before back-to-back triples from Krslovic and Walker put Melbourne up six.

In just his second preseason outing, Walker finished the game with 27 points, three assists and two steals.

Ultimately, a late contested midrange jumper from Milton Doyle and some poise at the free-throw line for United sealed the deal on a 107-101 victory.

Melbourne United will next hit the court at the NBL Blitz in Canberra against the Perth Wildcats on Wednesday 27 August from 5:30pm.

The game will be streamed live on Disney+ and Kayo.