Melbourne United NBL1 Recap: Round 16 and Finals

Written by Melbourne United Media

Close games, clutch plays and big-time performances, this weekend of NBL1 action had a bit of everything as United’s stars looked to lift their sides to close the season.

Makuach Maluach - Darwin

Aiming to keep the Salties’ amazing debut season going, Makuach Maluach gave his all against USC Rip City, however it wasn’t enough.

Maluach finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and two blocks as Darwin went down by three points. The loss means his season with the Salties is over. 

Malith Machar - Forestville

Despite a strong showing on both ends, Machar and the Eagles went down in their qualifying final at the weekend.

The forward scored nine points, pulled down eight rebounds and sent away a pair of shots in the 15-point loss.

Forestville will next play the Norwood Flames on Saturday night.

Shea Ili - Sandringham

Shea Ili has helped lead the Sabres into the NBL1 South finals on the back of six straight wins, and 10 wins from their last 11 outings.

Ili was near-perfect from the field, knocking down all five of his shots (which were all threes) on his way to 17 points in just 20 minutes of play.

Sandringham will next face the first-placed Chargers in Hobart in a qualifying final.

David Okwera - Sandringham

David Okwera showcased his activity and versatility at the weekend as he helped the Sabres to a big-time win over Eltham.

Okwera tallied 13 points, 15 rebounds and a trio of blocks in the 32-point blowout.

David Barlow - Sandringham

It was another clinical game for David Barlow, who did what he needed to for Sandringham against the Wildcats.

In just 17 minutes Barlow was +23 and ended the game with 12 points and three rebounds.

Zac Triplett - Keilor

It was a weekend of mixed results for Zac Triplett as he hit the court in Keilor's final two games of the season.

On Saturday Triplett helped lead the Thunder to a fourth-quarter comeback victory over Casey, while on Sunday he scored 13 points in a 14-point loss to Knox.

To lock in your seats to see United hit the court at John Cain Arena, secure your membership and stand United today!

Full season, five and three game memberships are available now, and are the best way to support your team across the season.

Tickets for all 14 of United’s home games are on sale now, and with can’t miss events like the Open Air Game, The Multicultural Game, a pair of Throwdowns and much more on their way, the time is now to make sure you don’t miss a moment of Melbourne’s NBL23 campaign.