Mitsubishi Match Recap: NBL25 Round 12, Game 1 v Illawarra Hawks

Melbourne United have fallen short in their first game of Round 12 against the Illawarra Hawks on Friday evening.

Keeping up with his recent run of hot form, Rob Loe got United going to start the game, splashing back-to-back threes in the opening minute.

Loe led all scorers in the first quarter, finishing with 12 points in his eight minutes.

Also contributing in the scoring department early were the likes of Shea Ili, Jack White, Tanner Krebs and Ian Clark.

The Hawks were however able to match this offensive output, taking a six point lead into the final few seconds before a clutch triple from Development Player Tom Koppens reduced the deficit to 24-27.

The second mirrored the first in many ways, as Illawarra attacked the offensive glass (12) to produce extra opportunities.

Needing a boost, some strong defensive pressure opened up a runway for White to take flight, slamming it home to get the crowd going.

Three pointers from Matthew Dellavedova, Clark and Krebs kept the energy in the stands high, helping Melbourne push in front and take a 47-46 advantage into the major break.

While United captured the momentum to close the second quarter, the Hawks owned the third, pulling ahead by as many as 17 points.

Akech Aliir was able to produce some great effort plays, getting to the hoop for a pair of buckets, reducing Illawarra’s lead to just 11 points with 10 minutes remaining.

Needing to play perfectly in the fourth, things looked promising after White connected on a triple to cut the margin to eight on the opening play of the period.

Despite this and some strong finishes around the rim by Dellavedova, Ili and Loe, the Hawks played some tremendous basketball, extending their lead to as many as 21 points.

Late triples from Flynn Cameron and Campbell Blogg got the John Cain Arena up and about down the stretch, however it was ultimately too late, with the Hawks finishing as 93-106 winners.

United will look to bounce back on Sunday afternoon when they face the South East Melbourne Phoenix at 2:30pm in Throwdown XXVIII.

Fans can tune in live via Channel 10 and ESPN.