Table of Plenty Coaches' Round Table: Round 3

Welcome to the Table of Plenty Coach’s Round Table! This weekly article will provide you with some behind-the-scenes insight from our team of coaches regarding our performance from the previous round, thanks to Table of Plenty, the Official Snack Partner of Melbourne United.

‍Tasmania JackJumpers Scout - Assistant Coach, Dave Barlow

“We had around five to ten undisciplined possessions where we let ourselves down and they punished us for it, which led to the early deficit. Outside of those possessions, we executed our gameplan well, which is why we were able to come back from down 19, in a hostile environment no less.”

Despite the loss in Tasmania, United put together one of their grittier performances of the year in the fourth quarter, outscoring their opponent 28-16.

Although their record is 1-3, United has won the second, third and fourth quarters of their games three times each this season.

Cairns Taipans Scout - Assistant Coach, Rhys Carter 

“We showed some really good signs at the defensive end for periods, but we really let ourselves down with our effort and attention to detail for a big patch in the last quarter. We still have some room to improve offensively, with our finishing and decision making in the paint. We showed good signs at times, with good ball movement, but couldn’t finish off our work. “

Although the loss to the Taipans was disappointing, United’s third quarter in that game was arguably the best stretch of basketball they played all year. 

In the period, they scored a season high 35 points on 63.6% field goal percentage, and held their opponent to just 44.4% from the field. 

‍Head Coach Jacob Chance’s final word

‍Tasmania 

“To be up for the fight was really pleasing. There's things that happen over the course of the game [but I still] I want our guys to be competitive. I want to live on the edge, and I thought we did that and executed when we needed to.

“I wouldn't change anything about how we played defensively. I've got to work through some things with the league and the referees and adjust a bit better, but I loved [how we played].”

Cairns 

“We saw the game shift at the end of the third quarter and that bled into the start of the fourth quarter and unfortunately when you have that kind of momentum shift, it's really hard to get back.

“I really loved how we were playing up until that 12-point lead and it was probably the best basketball we've played all year, but [it was] a great reminder that playing for 20-25 minutes is just not enough in this league, and we'll take a lot of learnings from it.”

Melbourne United next take the court on Wednesday 7 October when they head on the road to take on the 36ers in Adelaide as part of the 2026-27 Ignite Cup. The game will be live on ESPN from 7:30pm