Match Recap: NBL25 - Pre-season, Game 1 v Brisbane Bullets

Melbourne United have gone down 75-90 in their first game of the pre-season against the Brisbane Bullets.

Shea Ili was dominant early for United, doing a bit of everything on both ends to help Melbourne open up a seven point lead.

The dynamic Kiwi got all the way to the hoop to draw a foul, dished three assists and forced a pair of turnovers in less than five minutes of play.

Jack White was the recipient of a pair of these dimes to the tune of five points, while Tanner Krebs added five of his own on two sweet jumpers.

Jack's baaaacccck 🤩 pic.twitter.com/hUZIcU1QD0

— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) August 27, 2024

As the period went on, United’s young stars got the opportunity to shine, with recently signed Development Player Joel Foxwell impressing, getting to the hole for two layups.

Fellow DP Akech Aliir followed this with a triple, before Malith Machar went upstairs for a thunderous dunk.

Ili ended the period with a mid-range jumper, giving Melbourne a seven-point advantage after 10 minutes.

Despite the lead, United struggled to open the second term, with a shooting slump allowing the Bullets back into the game.

Brisbane extended their lead to as many as nine points on the back of some sweet shooting from Deng Adel, who tallied 16 first-half points.

Some late work at the free-throw line allowed United back into the contest, cutting the visitors lead back down to six points.

Needing a spark, Ili turned it on to start the second half, orchestrating a run with his play at both ends which tied up the game.

Another White and-1 finish gave United the lead back, however the Bullets regained control shortly following this, pulling ahead 68-49.

While Melbourne shone in moments across the final term, such as a pair of swats from White and Campbell Blogg, Brisbane were able to maintain their advantage.

A three-point barrage from the likes of Aliir, Machar, Kyle Bowen and Tom Wilson gave the passionate fans inside Casey Basketball Stadium something to cheer for, however it ultimately came too late, with the Bullets ending as 15-point winners.

United will next play on Saturday night at State Basketball Centre against the South East Melbourne Phoenix from 7pm.

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