DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 12, Game 2 v South East Melbourne Phoenix

Melbourne United will look to rebound from back to back losses on Sunday afternoon when we face off against the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Throwdown XVII.

Holding an 18-8 all-time advantage in the rivalry series and having won six of the past seven matchups, Dean Vickerman will be wanting his squad to produce a strong performance, which would see us return to the top of the NBL25 ladder.

For the Phoenix, a season-high 108 points could not lift them to a win on Thursday against the Bullets.

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

(Past five games)
United - W, W, W, L, L

Hawks - W, L, W, W, L

Rebounding is sure to be a clear focus for both lineups coming into Sunday.

In our 13-point defeat to the Illawarra Hawks on Friday evening, we were out-rebounded by 23, giving the visitors extra opportunities to attack inside.

It was a similar story for the Phoenix on Thursday, as the Bullets crashed the glass through Tyrell Harrison.

Expect Vickerman and SEM coach Josh King to emphasise this heading into the game.

STARS COLLIDE

Having tallied seven-straight double-digit scoring games, Rob Loe will be looking to continue his strong vein of form when matched up with Jordan Hunter on Sunday afternoon.

In their last meeting, while Hunter was able to thrive in the scoring department (20 points), Loe was among our best, finishing the game as a team-high +9 in 17 minutes.

Likely without frontcourt partner Marcus Lee again, look for Loe to step up in the scoring department.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Tip-off: 2:30pm AEDT, Friday 15 December, 2024

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: Channel 10 and ESPN