Mitsubishi Match Recap: NBL25 Round 7, Game 1 v Sydney Kings

Melbourne United have outlasted the Sydney Kings to open Round 7 inside John Cain Arena.

It was a back and forth affair to start the game, as both sides traded buckets across the first five minutes.

Rob Loe made the best use of his size early on, scoring six quick points inside before Chris Goulding opened up his account with a corner three.

Also getting in on the three-point action was Matthew Dellavedova and Jack White, with the latter adding to his tally shortly after with a huge put-back slam.

This gave Melbourne a 21-20 advantage to close the first period.

Defensive pressure was the name of the game for United in the second term, as Dean Vickerman’s squad clamped down on the Kings.

Ian Clark, Marcus Lee and Kyle Bowen all came up with big-time swats, making Sydney think twice about going to the rim.

Clark and Bowen also produced on the offensive end, cashing in on their long-range looks, allowing United to go up by as many as 10 points.

The Kings were able to get themselves back into the game, going on an 8-0 run to claw their way back into the game.

Late free throws allowed Melbourne to extend the gap back out to three points heading into halftime.

There was no rest for either team once the second half started as each side threw hard punches at the other.

Clark sank another triple, as did Dellavedova after getting to the cup for an and-1 bucket.

Despite this, nothing separated the teams with 90 seconds remaining before Tanner Krebs found himself free for a pair of threes, allowing United to take momentum into the final period.

In a dog-fight of a fourth quarter, every possession mattered.

Flynn Cameron got to the hoop for a pair of tough layups, Dellavedova knocked down his signature post fadeaway, and Lee made one of his free throws to tie the game at 77-77.

Come winning time, it was Goulding and White that stood tall.

CG43 put Melbourne in front with less than two minutes remaining with a triple before White made two of the biggest shots of the season.

First, he lost Xavier Cooks with a pump-fake before splashing a deep ball, putting Melbourne up by two points.

While Jaylen Adams was able to tie the game following this another White three allowed Melbourne to re-take the lead, which they ultimately were able to hold onto for the remainder of the game and secure the 87-83 win.

This is Melbourne’s third consecutive victory, and will give the team a boost heading into their next home game on Melbourne Cup Eve against the New Zealand Breakers from 7:30pm.

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