Match Recap: NBL25 Round 3, Game 2 v Cairns Taipans

Melbourne United have gone down in their first home game of the season, falling to the Cairns Taipans by 13 points.

In front of an excited home crowd, United got off to a hot start, scoring through their stars and playing stout defence on the other end.

Chris Goulding led from the front, tallying 11 points in the opening term, which included a pair of three-pointers.

Ian Clark and Tanner Krebs then got in on the long-range action, each finding the bottom of the net from deep.

Inside the paint, Marcus Lee was a menace, throwing down a powerful alley-oop slam before going upstairs to swat a shot at the hoop.

Cairns were able to stay in the game thanks to their own hot shooting from behind the arc, however the home side took a 27-23 advantage into the first break.

The second period was a seesawing affair as both sides traded the lead.

Lee continued to play above the rim, while Clark and Goulding combined for four triples.

Despite this, the Taipans were able to push in front late thanks to scorching hot shooting, knocking down 11 of their 19 three-point attempts.

A steal and slam from Jack White did wrestle back some momentum for Melbourne, but it was Cairns that controlled a 58-54 lead at the major break.

A fifth Goulding three-pointer gave United a boost coming out of half time, and after some strong play from White, Ili and Rob Loe, Melbourne looked poised to push in front.

It was however not to be, as the Taipans held firm and bounced back, extending their lead to 11 points before a late Tanner Krebs triple pulled the margain back to nine points.

Needing to come out with force, United struggled, allowing Cairns to balloon their lead out to as many as 17 points.

A late fight-back, fuelled by energy plays from White and Kyle Bowen, saw Melbourne close the gap back down to 10, however that is as close an they would come, ultimately going down 88-101.

Melbourne United will be back at John Cain Arena next Sunday for a clash with the Adelaide 36ers from 4:30pm.

Tickets are available here.