WWAG Match Recap: NBL24 Round 3 Game 1 vs Perth Wildcats

Melbourne United have secured an important road victory, taking down the Perth Wildcats at RAC arena on Friday night.

Next Star Ariel Hukporti got United rolling with a nice post move before Luke Travers sent the United bench into hysterics with a huge poster dunk.

This was quickly followed by a Chris Goulding triple to give the visitors their first lead of the contest.

When United’s starters took to the bench, the reserves more than stepped up, with Rob Loe and Ian Clark combining for 10 points in the opening term. Loe made his presence felt on the defensive end as well, tallying a trio of blocks.

Looking to close the quarter with momentum, Luke Travers took to the sky again, slamming home an emphatic putback dunk before CG43 cashed in on another triple to give United a 22-17 lead.

Still looking to their bench for energy to start the second, Brad Newley came in and provided an instant spark, getting to the rim for a layup before locking down on defence.

Some more great play from Goulding and Matthew Dellavedova kept United rolling before Luke Travers continued to wreak havoc on his former team.

The star forward took to the sky for another dunk, which he quickly followed up with a strong finish through contact and a monster rejection on the other end.

While his run was brought to an end after sustaining a cut on the nose, fellow Perth local Kyle Bowen ensured there was no drop in energy.

The bruising big-man got on the glass for a putback and forced a steal, allowing Ian Clark to knock down his second triple of the game, putting United up by 10 points.

Despite this, Perth were able to close the gap in the final minute with a pair of three-pointers, reducing Melbourne’s lead to four points heading into the major break.

Coming out of half-time, there seemed to be a clear directive for United to crash the offensive glass.

Both Delly and Ariel Hukporti got on the boards for valuable second chance points, while United's shooters continued to fire away.

Both CG43 and Luke Travers fired away from downtown, finding the bottom of the net saw United’s lead grow to as many as 12 points.

While Perth were able to claw their way back to an extent, more work on the O-boards helped Melbourne take an eight-point lead into the final 10 minutes of action.

Needing to do whatever it takes to secure the road win, United hustled hard on both ends to keep the scoreboard ticking along.

Ian Clark knocked down his third three of the evening before Tanner Krebs and Delly got to the line for valuable points.

CG followed this up by getting all the way to the hoop for a layup, putting United up by four points with five minutes remaining.

While the Cats kept coming, Ian Clark ensured Melbourne would not be denied, knocking down his fourth triple to continue to push them away.

Massive defensive positions from United's entire lineup stifled Perth, allowing Dellavedova to extend United’s lead before Shea Ili iced the game with five free-throws down the stretch.

Melbourne’s clutch play allowed them to hold on down the stretch, finishing the night with a 88-81 victory.

United will head back to John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon for a blockbuster clash with the Brisbane Bullets.