NBL22 Match Recap: Round 8, Game 2 vs Brisbane Bullets

Melbourne United have outlasted the Brisbane Bullets, extending their winning streak to eight games.

Despite opening the game in the best way possible after a steal and score from Matthew Dellavedova, United slowed down, as the Bullet’s energy propelled the home side.

Brisbane dominated in the paint, collecting six offensive rebounds within the first five minutes to go ahead by as many as 11 points in the quarter.

Melbourne on the other hand, looked a step slow, only tallying a single rebound across the opening 6:30 minutes of action.

Jo Lual-Acuil ensured United would not trail by more than 11 in the closing seconds of the quarter, emphatically spiking a Nathan Sobey layup attempt away to end the quarter.

It was clear Head Coach Dean Vickerman must have emphasised effort on the glass and on the defensive end coming into the start of the second term, as the defending champs came out playing much more like themselves.

United tallied four offensive rebounds on the opening possession of the quarter, leading to a Delly three, and continued to roll from there.

Melbourne’s activity was off the charts, racking up steals and converting on the offensive end.

Chris Goulding provided some life for his side, scoring five quick points to cut the lead to six, before United put an exclamation point on a 13-2 run through an Ariel Hukporti dunk, giving them the lead.

While Brisbane briefly pushed back in front, Melbourne responded, scoring quickly to take a 41-40 lead into the mean break.

Despite taking a heap of momentum into the second half, United faltered, failing to put together consistent offence and allowing the Bullets to re-capture the lead for the majority of the quarter.

Delly scored five of his 16 points in the term, and did his best to get his side humming, however it simply wasn’t clicking for the visitors.

Meanwhile, Lamar Patterson settled into a comfortable scoring groove, using his size to get inside and finish around the rim, helping Brisbane take a 64-59 lead into the final 10 minutes.

Once again, Melbourne responded immediately to start the fourth quarter, a term which the defending champs have dominated all season.

Shea Ili scored five points in the opening minute of the period to kickstart a 14-1 run which featured some elite play from both ends from Hukporti.

Big A sent away Jack Salt’s layup attempt before doing what he does best, running the floor and throwing down a monstrous dunk.

This, combined with some spectacular two-way play from Jack White, allowed United to keep the Bullets at bay for much of the fourth quarter.

White came up with great plays time after time, including a pivotal block on Salt with seconds remaining.

Brisbane did however have one final chance to send the game into overtime, however great rim protection from JLA forced Sobey and Anthony Drimic to miss their final shots, and seal the win for United.

The win keeps United alone atop the NBL22 ladder heading into their final stop of this seven game road trip, a meeting with Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.