Match Recap: NBL25 Game 1 v Tasmania JackJumpers

Melbourne United have come away from HoopsFest with the first win of our Hungry Jack’s NBL25 campaign.

After a slow start to the first quarter, Melbourne’s first points of the season came on the back of a putback layup from Rob Loe. The offensive board was one of the Kiwi big-man’s five rebounds in the period.

While the JackJumpers were able to pull ahead during the opening five minutes of action, aggressive offense from United got Dean Vickerman’s squad back into the game.

Matthew Dellavedova, Flynn Cameron and Shea Ili worked their way to the line, tying up the contest before triples from Tanner Krebs and Ili pushed Melbourne into the lead.

More free-throws allowed United to extend this advantage before a late surge from Tasmania closed the margin to just three points after 10 minutes.

Melbourne were able to maintain control of the lead for the entire second term, attacking inside and making the most of their long range looks.

Playing his first game back in United colours, Jack White was exceptional, scoring seven points in the period, two of which came on a huge putback slam.

Tasmania never stopped fighting, clawing their way back and reducing Melbourne’s lead to two points heading into the major break.

 Looking to balloon their lead and take control of the game, United wasted no time, with Ili swiping the ball and throwing down a dunk in the third quarter's opening minute.

Seeing their advantages in the paint, ‘Delly’ went beast mode, scoring 12 points in the period.

The star guard got inside for post buckets and floaters, while also stretching out and cashing in a triple.

This helped Melbourne go ahead by 11 points leading into the final 20 seconds, before Ili did what he does best, locking down on D for a block which led to a buzzer-beating dunk from White to put United up 72-59 with 10 minutes remaining.

Needing to play sound basketball to secure the win, United’s stars came through in the game’s biggest moments.

As they had for much of the game, Melbourne were relentless with their pace and attack on the hoop.

Marcus Lee was elite on both ends, scoring in the paint and protecting the hoop.

While the JackJumpers showed their trademark resilience, a clutch triple from captain Chris Goulding iced the game with a touch over a minute remaining.

Ultimately, United finished with a 88-79 win, their first of the Hungry Jack’s NBL25 season.

Melbourne will next play the SEM Phoenix on 26 September in an away Throwdown.