WWAG NBL24 Match Recap - Round 10 v Brisbane Bullets

Sporting their new Batman jerseys as part of NBL DC Multiverse Round, United got off to a strong start, as Shea Ili worked his way inside for a mid range jumpshot to open Melbourne’s account.

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Luke Travers both hit the scoreboard shortly after this, helping to tick the scoreboard over for the home side.

While the Bullets were able to go on a run of their own, scoring ten unanswered points, a pair of threes from Chris Goulding and Ian Clark helped energise United.

This was on full display across one possession, as Ariel Hukporti swatted a Bullets fast-break layup, leading to another Ian Clark triple.

Despite this, the Bullets were able to hold onto an 18-21 advantage heading into the first break.

Wanting to get off to a hot start in the second, Matthew Dellavedova got MU on the board with a shot at the rim.

This appeared to open the floodgates for Melbourne, who played brilliant team basketball to take back the lead.

Looking to build out a buffer, Goulding stepped up in his 250th game in a United uniform, draining five three-pointers in the term, bringing his total up to 18 points on some ridiculous shots.

Late scores from Clark and Ili helped to extend Melbourne’s lead to 17 points at the major break.

Much like he did to open the second, Dellavedova connected on a floater for United’s first points of the term.

It was the first of a number of scores for the former NBA champion, bringing his total up to eight points to go along with five assists.

This helped Melbourne keep hold of their lead, despite a spirited effort from the Bullets.

Great hustle plays, such as an offensive rebound from Kyle Bowen leading to the three-pointer from Tanner Krebs, allowed Melbourne to take an 18-point advantage into the final frame.

The fourth quarter was more of the same for Melbourne, as Dellavedova continued to drop in floaters, while Lual-Acuil Jr sliced his way to the hoop for some easy buckets.

Playing his first game back from injury, Ian Clark showed no signs of rust, connecting on a mid-range jumper to bring him up to 14 points.

While he hadn’t taken a single shot in the second half after his explosion in the second quarter, CG43 made the most of his one attempt in the fourth, cashing in on his seventh triple of the game.

This, combined with lockdown defensive effort (nine points allowed in the final period) ensured United came away with the 35-point victory.

The margin equals the largest for any team so far in NBL24.

Melbourne will next take the floor in Throwdown XXIII against the SEM Phoenix on Thursday December 14. Fans can tune in on ESPN via Kayo.