NBL22 Match Recap: Round 7, Game 2 v Illawarra Hawks

Melbourne United have extended its winning streak to a league-best six games against the Illawarra Hawks in a hard fought game.

After a scoreless first two minutes, United got on the board through a sweet Jack White triple, before their usual brand of aggressive interior play took over.

It was a dunkfest for Melbourne, with White finishing a massive left-handed putback dunk, and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr slamming home a pair of flushes to help the defending champs set the tone.

Trailing for much of the opening term, United locked down the Hawks in the final three minutes, holding the home side scoreless while Melbourne’s bench went to work.

A nice feed from Shea Ili to Ariel Hukporti for a strong and-1 basket helped United take a slim 22-20 lead into quarter time.

Coming into the second quarter, everything began to click for star guard Matthew Dellavedova, who put together his best scoring performance of the season.

Delly knocked down a quintet of three-pointers on his way to 19 points across the first two terms, all while finding his teammates for good looks (four first half assists).

This combined with some terrific defence from JLA (nine points, nine rebounds and two blocks in the first half), led Melbourne to a 47-42 lead at the main break.

The third quarter mirrored the first half, as both sides continued to play a high-quality, high intensity contest.

It seemed as though no one could miss, as baskets fell like rain across the 10 minutes of action.

After finishing the first half without registering a bucket, Chris Goulding cashed in on some good looks to get himself rolling.

CG scored seven quick points, while Delly continued his scorching shooting performance, connecting on his seventh three of the game on the back of a timely JLA block.

This all-round effort kept United in front by two points heading into the final period.

While everything appeared to be going in across the third term, the fourth quarter was the exact opposite.

Neither team seemed able to find their range over the first five minutes, before Melbourne flexed their muscles and worked their way to the free-throw line for some easy baskets.

Looking to keep JLA and White fresh for the final push towards victory, bench bigs Mason Peatling and Ariel Hukporti stepped up in a massive way.

While the duo only combined for eight points and eight rebounds, their effort and energy buoyed United, helping them pull ahead by as many as eight points down the stretch.

Despite a hectic final minute, which saw Melbourne nearly fumble away the victory, the visitors were able to come away with the win, thanks in part to some clutch offensive rebounds from Caleb Agada.

Agada finished with 13 points and 15 rebounds, while Delly took home man of the match honours with 33 points and nine rebounds.

The victory lifts Melbourne to second place on the ladder.