United fall on the road to the Kings

Melbourne United was unable to overcome a dominant second quarter display by the Kings, as they fell to Sydney on the road on Friday night.

After an even first term, United couldn’t keep up with the Kings as they turned it up a gear and ran away with the game.

Jock Landale scored first for United, while Mitch McCarron drained triple after two and a half minutes to give Melbourne a 7-4 lead.

Casper Ware hit a three-pointer with three minutes remaining in the quarter to have the Kings up by two points, 17-15. Sam Short then answered with a long range shot of his own.

McCarron scored a layup with a minute remaining but Sydney held a three-point lead after a quarter of play, 25-22.

The second quarter was when Sydney took control of the game. An 18-6 start to the quarter by the Kings, led by Jarell Martin and Jordan Hunter, had Sydney boasting a game-changing 45-27 lead.

Shea Ili finally broke United’s scoring drought with a layup with just under five minutes left in the first half.

Yudai Baba hit a triple, but Didi Louzada and Thomas Vodanovich converted on the other end.

After a dominant 35-17 second quarter, the Kings held a commanding 60-39 lead at the main break.

The second half got off to a strong start for United with a McCarron triple, but a Ware and-1 play had Qudos Bank Arena standing in applause.

Landale and McCarron tried their best to drag Melbourne back into the game, but their efforts couldn’t dent the Sydney lead. At the final break, the Kings held an 87-58 lead.
The final quarter was more of the same as Melbourne’s offence couldn’t get going and turnovers proved costly, just as they had all night long, while Sydney’s offence had been humming along since the opening term.

Unable to make inroads into the deficit, Dean Vickerman put his second unit into the game for the final stages and young gun Mason Peatling had an impact with some quick buckets.
Sydney eventually ran out comprehensive winners, 103-73.

Melbourne’s 12 assists to Sydney’s 24 told the story of the game as the Kings were able to make plays offensively, while United never got it going on that end.

Landale (18 points and 7 rebounds) and McCarron (17 points and 4 rebounds) were best for United.

All five starters scored in double figures for the Kings, led by Hunter (18 points and 5 rebounds) and Martin (15 points and 6 rebounds).

United falls to 10-5 on the season and will look to get back on the winners list on Sunday afternoon at John Cain Arena against the Illawarra Hawks. Tip off is at 3pm.