Vickerman expecting playoff intensity in Open Air clash

Heading into the 10th iteration of the Open Air Game, Melbourne United are anticipating an intense battle against the Perth Wildcats.

The team have clashed twice this season, with each side picking up a victory on the other's home court.

Having gone down in their most recent meeting, an overtime game in Round 6 which saw Luke Travers, Ian Clark and Ariel Hukporti all exit the game with injuries, Head Coach Dean Vickerman is excited to take a fully fit squad into the rematch.

“I think the intensity you’ll see in the game will certainly have a playoff feel about it,” he explained.

“They’re playing really good basketball. They obviously beat us in overtime last time so we carry that one around a little bit to look forward to this opportunity to play them again on our floor.

“Some wild things happened in that game with LT and Ariel and Ian Clark… we look forward to going in there with a healthy squad.”

Since that game, both United and the Wildcats have amassed 5-1 records and currently sit positioned first and third on the NBL24 ladder respectively.

In previous years, Melbourne and Perth have met in a pair of Open Air Games, with MU taking home the win on both occasions.

While this can’t-miss contest is sold out, fans can still tune in on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.