DrinkWise Preview: Round 8 Game 1 v NZ Breakers

Round 8 is set to be a big one for Melbourne United, with it all tipping off on Friday night against the New Zealand Breakers at John Cain Arena.

Currently sitting on top of the NBL ladder and 2nd on the NBL Cup ladder, United will look to extend it’s lead over the competition, but as the Breakers proved last round against the 36ers, they are a team that can turn it on in a hurry.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Mitch McCarron was a man on mission in February. Whatever his team needed he did and so often down the stretch of games it was McCarron who rose to the occasion and performed in the clutch moments.

Having averaged 13.7 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals in February, McCarron’s stats were fantastic, but they never tell the full story. His impact on the game goes far beyond the box score as he makes winning plays and senses the moment better than most.

With McCarron having transitioned to the full-time starting point guard role over the off-season, it’s clear he has been working hard and that work is paying dividends. In a great groove, look for McCarron to continue his stellar form in March.

KEY MATCH UP

Tai Webster is a handful – he’s one of the most gifted offensive players in the league and can turn a game on its head when he gets going.

He dominated against the 36ers in the Round 7 win with 29 points and 12 assists and is averaging 20.9 points, 6.3 assists and 6 rebounds per game. Defending him requires not just one player, but a total team effort.

GET THE FACTS, DRINKWISE.ORG.AU

Shea Ili retuned to the line-up against Sydney and picked up right where he left off before his injury. He was sublime with stifling defence and hot shooting from deep (4/6 from three-point range for 12 points).

Ili, along with McCarron and Yudai Baba have all had exceptional seasons on both ends of the court and being able to wear down Webster will be key to getting the win.

THE OTHER GUYS

The New Zealand Breakers are sacrificing so much this season, having been away from their friends and family for months to ensure the season keeps ticking along and despite their 2-6 record prior to Round 8 getting underway, the Breakers are a team to be wary of.

Just ask the Adelaide 36ers.

Led by the Webster brothers, New Zealand trounced Adelaide to the tune of 44 points, 106-62, in Round 7. Tai (29 points and 12 assists) and Corey (29 points and 5 rebounds) were outstanding, and it was a game where everything finally came together for New Zealand. No doubt, they will have taken plenty of confidence away from that game.

With Lamar Patterson having been ruled out for the foreseeable future due to injury, it will take a team effort to pick up the slack. Finn Delany (12.4 points and 6 rebounds per game), Colton Iverson (6.5 points and 7.7 rebounds) and Tom Abercrombie (8 points and 4 rebounds) are all major keys to helping the Breakers grab wins without Patterson.

GAME INFO

The NBL Cup - Friday 5th March
Game 1: Perth Wildcats v Brisbane Bullets, 5.00pm tip off
Game 2: New Zealand Breakers v Melbourne United, 7.30pm tip off
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne.
Tickets: $10 tickets HERE
Watch: ESPN and SBS On Demand.
Listen: 1116 SEN