United staying sharp through intense scrimmages

With close to 20 days in between our final regular season matchup and Game 1 of our Hungry Jack’s Playoff Series against the Perth Wildcats, the team has taken to the court for a spirited intrasquad scrimmage.

Officiated by a trio of NBL1 referees, Head Coach Dean Vickerman said he was pleased with the defensive intensity on display despite the 114-103 scoreline.

“We tried to simulate match conditions as much as possible with a big emphasis on foul discipline and how we can continue to play great defence without fouling, which we’ve seen be a priority for teams in the Play-In,” he said.

“It was a high scoring game, both teams getting over 100 with the ball moving really well. I thought it was played at a really high intensity level.”

Flynn Cameron top scored with 26 points, while Shea Ili (24 points, 12 assists), Chris Goulding (22 points) and Matthew Dellavedova (18 points, 10 assists) tallied impressive stat-lines.

Vickerman said he was pleased with the all-around ability for everyone to contribute to successful basketball, shining a light on Cameron, Kyle Bowen (18 points, six rebounds) and Tanner Krebs (10 points, four rebounds).

“We’ve seen it late in the season with Jack (White) missing time, the opportunity that KB (Bowen) was presented with and how he just grabbed that with both hands. Tanner was in a similar position putting together a few of his best games of the season to finish off the year.

“Flynn has had some amazing moments through the year, and it was part of our goal for those three guys to get a good run and be ready to contribute when called upon in the Playoffs.”

Our guys will continue their preparations for their blockbuster Playoff Series across the next two weeks, culminating in a Game 1 showdown against the Wildcats inside John Cain Arena on Thursday 27 February from 7:30pm.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public from 12pm on 18 February, while Members should receive communication regarding ticking via their emails. Any Members who have not received your password/s to unlock pre-sale tickets can email membership@melbourneutd.com.au

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