WWAG Match Recap: NBL24 Round 1 Game 1 vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Melbourne United have picked up a huge rivalry victory in Throwdown XXI to open the NBL season.

The game started with a pair of plays every United fan loved to see, as Shea Ili took a charge before sinking all three of his free-throws for MU’s first points of the season.

While SEM answered with a 10-1 run of their own, a big-time block from the returning Ariel Hukporti got his teammates up and about before Matthew Dellavedova took over on the offensive end.

Clearly still red-hot from his unbelievable NBL Blitz, Delly scored 12 points in the opening term, including a spectacular buzzer-beating floater to end the quarter.

This, combined with some sweet shooting from Ili, as well as his fellow kiwis Rob Loe and Flynn Cameron, allowed United to open up a 29-24 advantage heading into the break.

Clearly unhappy with their defensive performance in the first 10 minutes, Melbourne ratcheted up the pressure in the second.

Luke Travers sent a Phoenix layup into the stands, while Big A remained ever-present around the hoop.

Great bench play helped United build on their lead before Delly got back into the action, sending Craig Moller to the floor with a crossover before finishing with a layup.

Wanting to get in on the action, Chris Goulding showcased his shotmaking ability, breaking down Matt Kenyon before sinking a midrange jumper in his face.

Another Matthew Dellavedova three-pointer, bringing him up to 17 points, closed the half for the home side with MU up by 12 points.

After what had been a lean scoring game thus far, CG43 kept himself involved in the contest, finding the bottom of the net on United’s opening play before feeding Travers for a pair of sweet dimes.

More above the rim plays from Hukporti; a dunk followed by a skyscraping block, and back-to-back three pointers from Tanner Krebs, allowed United to grow their lead to as many as 18 points.

The shooting prowess extended to Kyle Bowen, who cashed in on his first points with Melbourne on a deep look.

While the Phoenix put together a little scoring run to close the period, United remained firmly in control with 10 minutes remaining.

The final term mirrored the third in many ways, with MU threatening to run away with the contest before SEM hit back.

A late scoring punch from Ben Ayre cut the lead to as little as 10 points, however Luke Travers ensured there would be no Phoenix comeback.

In his first regular season game for United, LT put together an all-around performance, finishing with a game-high 20 points to go along with eight rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal.

In the end, Melbourne finished as 15-point victors, securing their first win of the new NBL24 season.

United will hit the road to face the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday afternoon next at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Fans can watch the game on 10 Peach and Kayo Freebies.