WWAG Match Recap: NBL23 Round 11, Game 2 v Illawarra Hawks

Written by Melbourne United Media 

Melbourne United have secured their second win of Round 11, taking home a victory in their LifeChanger Cup series against the Illawarra Hawks.

United rode a hot start from its starting frontcourt to a lead in the opening minutes, as Isaac Humphries and Mason Peatling combined for the home side’s first nine points.

Peatling continued to roll throughout the quarter, slamming home a dunk off a pretty feed from Chris Goulding before swatting Sam Froling on the other end.

When the pair went to the bench, Melbourne’s reserves kept up this interior pressure. Marcus Lee in particular starred, flying high for a jam before rejecting Mangok Mathiang’s dunk attempt.

In what was a special night for Goulding and Brad Newley, as the pair celebrated their 400th and 300th games respectively, each of the stars found the bottom of the net early, bringing the packed John Cain Arena crowd to their feet.

Leading by 10, Illawarra hit back hard in the final minute of the period, scoring five quick points to reduce the deficit to just five.

Lee continued to bring the energy come the second quarter, swatting more shots and finishing his own looks around the rim.

The big-man finished the half with nine points and three blocks, helping Melbourne build its lead back up to as many as 13 points.

He was well supported by Peatling, who led all scorers for United with 13 after cashing in on a triple in the dying seconds of the period.

This long-range look gave Melbourne a 46-37 lead heading into the major break.

After a relatively quiet first half, CG43 came alive after half-time.

United’s captain cashed in on a pair of deep triples, as well as a nifty mid-range jumper, scoring eight points in the term.

With Goulding leading the way offensively, Shea Ili locked down the Hawk’s guards defensively.

The Kiwi guard came up with a pair of blocks, however some of United’s other stars struggled to stay out of foul trouble, sending the Hawks to the free-throw line where they were able to close the gap to just two points to close the third.

This parade to the free-throw line continued to start the final term, with Illawarra taking their first lead of the game, before extending it to 68-64.

This appeared to wake United weapons, as the home side went on to outscore the Hawks 24-9 across the remainder of the term.

In game 400, Goulding was the catalyst, cashing in on tough shot after tough shot on his way to 25 points, which in trademark CG43 fashion, included six three pointers.

Perhaps feeding off his captain’s energy, Mason Peatling built on his hot night, knocking down a clutch three-ball to give himself a season-high 19 points in his first start of the season.

United ultimately ran away from Illawarra, finishing as 11-point victors at home and going 2-0 in their Indigenous Jerseys.

Melbourne’s next game is a can’t miss for all fans, as it will see the return of the Open Air Game against the Cairns Taipans on 23 December from 7:30pm.

Tickets are available here.