WWAG Match Recap - NBL24 Round 5, Game 1 vs Tasmania JackJumpers

In the first game of Melbourne United’s Round 5 double-header, the team headed down to Tasmania to take on the Jack Jumpers in what would be Dean Vickerman’s 300^th game as a Head Coach in the NBL.

After receiving their only loss of NBL24 so far against the JackJumpers, United were set a tough challenge against their southern rivals. Missing Matt Dellavedova, who remained in Melbourne as he continues to recover from a concussion, United started slowly and the JackJumpers got out to an early 13-point lead.

Consecutive stops and a noticeable improvement down the defensive end allowed United to claw their way back into the game, drawing level by the first break.

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr’s 9 points and 6 rebounds in his first 7 minutes on the floor allowed United to push out to a 4-point lead, early in the second quarter. Kyle Bowen then dropped a 3, to take his first-half tally to 11 points from 5 of 6 shooting.

Mid-way through the second term it was United by 2 points, as Ian Clark began to heat up following a 3 with a quick mid-range jumper. A monster jam in transition from JLA over former United fan-favourite Marcus Lee pushed the lead out to 7.

A run by Tasmania had the JackJumpers back within 1 at the main break, United leading 43-42.

Chris Goulding was held scoreless in the first half but opened his account with a deep 3 to get United off to a good start in the second. But it was Ian Clark who really began to find his rhythm, as he dropped a quick 8 points including a pair of threes to push United’s lead out to 14 points.

Kyle Bowen re-entered the game and dropped back-to-back threes, taking his tally to 17 points for the game. Thanks to a 30-15 third quarter by United, the top-of-the-table clash went to the final break with Melbourne leading 73-57.

Tasmania jumped out of the blocks with the home crowd at their backs, picking up the first 5 points of the quarter.

In traditional JackJumper fashion the home team surged toward the end of the game, and had Melbourne fans on the edge of their seats. But this time, United managed to hold on, defeating Tasmania 90-82.

The win allows Melbourne United to remain on top of the NBL ladder, with 7 wins from 8 games.

United will now return to Melbourne to prepare for Sunday’s 2pm clash at John Cain Arena against an Illawarra Hawks line up who are beginning to find momentum.

The club will celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the 1993 Championship-winning Melbourne Tigers on Sunday, and fans are encouraged to head to ticketek.com.au to secure their tickets before they sell out.

BOX SCORE