NBL24 Match Recap - Round 6 v Perth Wildcats

United couldn’t have gotten off to a better start in front of their sold out crowd, as Chris Goulding cashed in from long range on the opening play.

Elation quickly turned to despair, as Luke Travers collided with Ariel Hukporti, sustaining a concussion and leaving the game after just 47 seconds.

Perth capitalised on this, going on a 12-0 run before Melbourne’s firepower was put on full display.

Returning pair Ian Clark and Matthew Dellavedova combined for 14 points and four triples, while Jo Lual-Acuil Jr threw down a pair of monster slams.

CG43 followed this up with one of his seemingly impossible three-pointers, helping MU take a 26-24 advantage into the first break.

Looking to build on their advantage, Tanner Krebs made his presence felt, locking down Tai Webster on one end before sinking a floater on the other.

Lual-Acuil Jr then flexed his muscles, connecting on a long-range look, which he quickly followed up with a huge rejection, leading directly to a Kyle Bowen three. 

With Melbourne leading by as many as eight points, Perth hit back, reducing the margin to just three-points after a buzzer-beating three pointer.

United’s guard pairing of Shea Ili and Dellavedova came out of half-time looking to be aggressive, getting to the hoop for tough buckets.

Like they had for the entire game, the Wildcats would not allow Melbourne to break the game open, knocking down shots from outside to eventually hit the front.

Needing an answer, JLA showcased exactly why he was an MVP finalist in his last season with Melbourne.

The big-man was everywhere on both ends, bringing his total up to 20 points to close the term on a tip in which put MU back up by two points.

Lual-Acuil Jr kept up this form to open the fourth, getting to the hoop for a dunk before making his way to the free-throw line.

Dellavedova followed this up with a big triple, putting United up by seven, but as always, the Wildcats stormed back, which MU struggled to stop with after costly free-throw misses.

In what was a frenetic final minute of action, Delly scored in the post to tie the game before Jordan Usher missed a pair of free-throws to send the game into overtime.

Unfortunately for Melbourne, that was as close as they would come for the remainder of the game, with Perth pulling away for a 95-102 victory.

United’s next game will come against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday afternoon in Throwdown XXII