United look to respond in Round 3 double-header

Following the Round 2 loss to the Sydney Kings at John Cain Arena, Melbourne United have been focusing on what they can learn and improve upon before the team’s big double-header in Round 3.

Xavier Rathan-Mayes spoke to the Breakfast Club on RSN927 radio on Wednesday morning and went into detail about how the team has responded.

“You never want to lose, but it is one loss. The sun comes up the next day, so for us it is about learning the mistakes we had in that game and figuring out what went wrong.” Rathan-Mayes said.

With the team sitting at 1-1 after the first two games, XRM highlighted the fact that the team’s veteran leadership were helping to keep the group on track.

“We have some great veteran leadership in this team who can help settle us down. We have had a couple of great film review sessions, and I think we’re back on track and heading in the right direction.”

“It’s essential with a team to have great leadership and guys who can weather the storm. We always want an even keel, never get too high with the good and never too low with the bad. We’re trending in the right direction – the guys know what we have to do in order to win.”

Melbourne United will travel to Perth on Thursday afternoon, in order to be ready to take on the ladder-leading Wildcats at RAC Arena at 9:30pm AEDT on Friday night (watch on ESPN via Kayo Sports or Foxtel).

“Perth is a tough trip, but these road trips are good. We get out of our normal routine and get to be on the road with just our team.”

“Our organisation has a tight-knit bond, which means it’s always special to be on the road and away together. It is something that we’re looking forward to, particularly playing in a hostile environment like the one in Perth.”

Melbourne United will return home on Saturday afternoon before turning their attention to the Tasmania JackJumpers on Sunday. United will be out for redemption in front of their home fans, while also seeking revenge on the JJs, who knocked Melbourne out of the finals last season. Tip-off against Tasmania at John Cain Arena this Sunday is at 2pm.

XRM is well known to thrive in the JCA environment and touched on the importance of the home crowd which is now throwing their full weight behind the new Melbourne point guard.

“To be able to play the first two games of our season at John Cain Arena has been absolutely amazing. Our fans have been truly special for us and have packed out both games.” XRM continued.

“To play in an environment like that is really special as a player, and something that you really look forward to. In terms of atmosphere and to even just play in a city like Melbourne has been unbelievable.”

Tickets are selling fast to this Sunday’s game, and fans are encouraged to visit ticketek.com.au to secure their tickets now.