Teammates do battle as NBL1 kicks into gear

Written by Melbourne United Media

With all conferences of NBL1 now underway, United’s stars went to work across the country and across the globe over the weekend.

It was a stellar showing from Zac Triplett and Mason Peatling as their two sides faced off in each team’s season opener.

Triplett had the edge in the scoring department, finishing with 23 points, however it was Peatling’s Knox Raiders that secured the victory, thanks in part to his 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.

In Bendigo, Brad Newley had a perfect debut for the Frankston Blues, who took away the road victory. Newley tallied 18 points, 12 rebounds and a pair of blocks.

Also making his NBL1 South debut was Cal Dalton (10 points, seven rebounds), whose size proved pivotal in an 87-77 victory for Eltham over Diamond Valley. 

Unfortunately for David Okwera and United NBL23 training player Campbell Blogg, it was a difficult game for Sandringham, who were outclassed by the Mt Gambier Pioneers.

Blogg impressed with 21 points and five rebounds, while Okwera put together a strong showing, registering 18 points and eight boards.

Moving north, Josh Duach (five points) helped North Gold Coast to its first win of the season, while Makuach Maluach (23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals) and the Darwin Salties fell in a close battle with Cairns.

Rounding out the NBL1 games for the weekend was Malith Machar (26 points, nine rebounds, two steals), who dominated in another Forestville victory in the Central Conference.

Internationally, Xavier Rathan-Mayes put together a marathon effort for Merkezefendi in Turkey, putting up 16 points, nine assists and six rebounds in a triple-overtime loss.

Chris Goulding’s Paris squad also fell short of victory, with the United skipper scoring five points.

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