NBL27 Match Recap - Preseason v B.LEAGUE UNITED

Melbourne United have come away victorious from our first preseason game of NBL27, overcoming Japanese side B.LEAGUE UNITED in a spirited contest on Sunday afternoon.

Back in United colours for the first time in two seasons, Luke Travers looked as comfortable as ever, splashing his first look from deep and getting to the rack for a dunk on the fast break.

Also enjoying success was Sam Waardenburg, who impacted the game on both ends with his finesse around the rim and toughness on defence.

This allowed Melbourne to take an eight-point lead into the opening break.

Eager to get back in the game, B.LEAGUE UNITED impressed to start the second term, scoring eight unanswered points to tie up the game.

It was a back and forth period, with the likes of Tom Wilson, Austin Shelley, Kyle Bowen and Malith Machar all contributing on the scoreboard.

Thanks to this, Melbourne stayed in front 45-43 going into half time.

Coming out of the major break, defence was the name of the game for both sides, as neither team was able to build much momentum.

A few strong finishes at the rim for Travers opened up things on the perimeter, allowing Joe Ingles to record his first bucket of the preseason; a corner three-ball.

Development Player Harry Neilson also got on the board, slamming home a powerful dunk, however a hot close to the quarter from the visitors cut the lead to just one point with 10 minutes to play.

With the game up for grabs, Melbourne took control, executing well on offence and locking down on defence.

Ingles and Waardenburg cashed in on four consecutive triples to break the game open.

In the end, United outscored the Japanese side 24-10 in the final term to finish as 83-68 winners.

Our next preseason game will come against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on 22 August at State Basketball Centre.

Fans can tune in live via our YouTube and Facebook channels.

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