Off-season Games Wrap: Bowen and Machar shine

Melbourne United pair Kyle Bowen and Malith Machar have started their NBL1 campaigns with Knox in perfect fashion, going two for two across Round 1.

The duo, who had never played in the NBL1 South before, came off the bench in both of the Raiders’ games, combining for 26 points and 14 rebounds on average across the victories.

One of those wins came over the Sandringham Sabres; a side featuring United Development Players Campbell Blogg and Tom Koppens, as well as assistant coach David Barlow.

While Blogg struggled against Knox (0-13 shooting), the young guard bounced back when the Sabres faced off against the Mt Gambier Pioneers on Saturday.

Blogg tallied 19 points and six rebounds, while Koppens added 18 points and nine rebounds in the losing effort.

Sandringham were without MU stars Shea Ili, Tanner Krebs and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, who will look to join the group in the coming rounds, for both games.

Across the ditch, United’s NBL24 nominated replacement player Rob Loe helped Auckland Tuatara pick up two wins in their first three games, averaging 17.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.7 blocks.

FULL STAT RECAP

Kyle Bowen: 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2.5 assists - 2-0

Malith Machar: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks - 2-0

Campbell Blogg: 11 points, 5 rebounds, 3.5 assists - 0-2

Tom Koppens: 14.5 points, 8 rebounds, 1.5 assists - 0-2

Rob Loe: 17.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.7 blocks - 2-1