NBL22 Match Recap - Round 13 v Cairns Taipans

Melbourne United have secured another road win, cementing their position on top of the NBL22 ladder and becoming the first team to defeat all other teams at least once this season.

It was a perfect start for United, as some great defence helped the visitors start the game on a 7-0 run.

Working hard to hold onto their advantage after the Taipans pulled within a bucket of tying the game, Mason Peatling and Shea Ili, as they so often do, made their presence felt off the bench.

Ili locked down all comers, including Scott Machado (6 points, 2-11 shooting) on the perimeter, while Peatling ripped down rebounds and walled up well around the rim.

This helped Melbourne open up a ten-point advantage heading into the first break.

Across the second quarter, it was the starters who shined for United.

Starting in the place of an absent Jo Lual-Acuil Jr due to the birth of his second child, Ariel Hukporti produced one of the highlights of the season, swatting away a shot to lead perfectly into a Caleb Agada dunk.

Cairns remained resilient, not allowing the lead to balloon too much throughout much of the half, however a trio of three-pointers, two from Chris Goulding and one from Dave Barlow, pushed the Taipans further back.

Bul Kuol did his best for the home side, knocking down three three-pointers of his own to keep the crowd alive, however a triple from Matthew Dellavedova, followed by another Big A block ended the half with United up 13.

Despite owning the momentum coming into the third quarter, Melbourne stalled for much of the term, allowing Cairns to get back into the game.

The home side outscored United 22-13, managing to tie the game towards the end of the period, however Ili showcased why he is the league’s best bench guard, stepping in to steady Melbourne’s ship.

The Kiwi guard put his head down and got to the line well, while providing his lockdown brand of defence.

Leading 61-57 to close the term, the pressure was well and truly on Melbourne heading into the final 10 minutes.

When it came to winning time, Melbourne showcased why they’re the defending champions once again.

It seemed like everyone was firing on all cylinders, as United shared the ball and created great looks for each other.

Delly, Agada, Big A, as well as Brad Newley and Jack White all stood out in the term, helping United go on a major run, which was capped off by CG43’s fifth three-pointer of the night (21 points).

With the victory all but sealed, United’s young bench players entered the game, a sight that always gets the rest of the side up on their feet.

Finishing the game off with a 89-73 win, United will have a week to prepare for their next game, a return to John Cain Arena for a matchup with the Brisbane Bullets.

Melbourne will be wearing their NBL22 Indigenous Jersey in the home game on Saturday 5 March against the Bullets, and then again on Thursday 10 March against the Perth Wildcats.

Tickets are on sale for both games here, while three and five game memberships for United’s seven remaining home games are available here.