DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 2, Game 1 v SEM Phoenix

The NBL’s most intense rivalry is set to be renewed on Thursday evening when we head ‘on the road’ to face off against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Fresh off a win in Perth during Round 1’s HoopFest, the playing group is full of confidence leading into Throwdown XXV.

Across the life of the rivalry, United hold a 17-7 record, including wins in the past five meetings between the two sides.

WATCH ROB LOE PREVIEW THE MATCHUP HERE

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

United - W

Phoenix - L

While we started our season with a gritty victory in a Grand Final rematch against Tasmania, the Phoenix went down in a high-scoring affair against Perth.

These results mean Thursday night’s game looms large for both teams, with a second straight victory giving us a truck-load of momentum heading into our road outing against the JackJumpers on Saturday, and a loss for South East Melbourne placing them in a precarious position before a trip to New Zealand on Sunday.

Conversely, a win for SEM could see the Phoenix vault over United in the standings.

WANT TO HEAR OUR GUYS BREAK DOWN THE MATCHUP? LISTEN HERE

STARS COLLIDE

In a matchup of former Duke teammates, Jack White and Matt Hurt will likely spend extended time facing off in the frontcourt.

The two have crossed paths as professionals since their lone season together in the NCAA, with White’s South Bay Lakers taking down Hurt’s Memphis Hustle in the G-League last season.

In his NBL debut, Hurt showcased his offensive prowess, finishing with 16 points in 30 minutes, while pulling down 12 rebounds.

White will look to slow the American forward down, while continuing to expand his offensive game.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEST, Thursday 26 September, 2024

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN via Kayo