Mitsubishi Match Recap: NBL25 Round 11, Game 1 v New Zealand Breakers

Melbourne United have put together a dominant second half to run away from the New Zealand Breakers on the road in their first game of Round 11.

In a high octane first quarter, United found themselves playing from behind early after the Breakers cashed on their first four looks from beyond the arc.

Needing to hit back, the visitors connected on four consecutive triples of their own, with Matthew Dellavedova making a pair, while Rob Loe and Campbell Blogg each finding success.

This helped Melbourne take their first lead of the game, which thanks to some strong play around the rim from the likes of Akech Aliir, Shea Ili, Flynn Cameron and Jack White, they were able to hold onto for the remainder of the term, taking a 28-24 advantage into the first break.

Looking to extend the margin, United instead found themselves fighting to retake the lead after a run from the Breakers.

A 13-5 run from the home side flipped the momentum of the game as Melbourne searched for some offensive consistency without Chris Goulding.

That scoring production ultimately came from Loe, who worked hard to find position in the paint which turned into eight points on four layups and a free-throw.

This propelled United back in front by three points after two quarters.

Coming out of half time, Melbourne ratcheted up their defence to an elite level, stifling the Breakers offence from all areas.

New Zealand only managed seven points in the entire period, while United’s team-first play-style produced open look after open look.

Loe increased his tally to 21 points with some work at the free-throw line and beyond the arc, while Akech Aliir produced some highlight plays on his birthday, locking down on D and getting to the hoop for a layup.

White brought the term to a close with a swat on Max Darling, helping United pull ahead 70-50 with 10 minutes remaining.

Not content with their 20-point advantage, Melbourne continued to work, widening the margin across the final period.

Three pointers from White and Kyle Bowen came on the back of strong ball movement, however the highlight of the contest came when Loe thundered down the lane for a poster slam over the top of Karim Lopez.

These were the two most impressive points of his 25-point outing.

In the end, Melbourne finished the contest as 27-point winners, improving their road record to 5-1 in NBL25. 

United will now look to extend their winning streak to six games when they return home for the Member Appreciation Game on Sunday afternoon from 2:30pm at John Cain Arena against the Brisbane Bullets.

Tickets are available here.