NBL: Melbourne United bounce back, Taipans’ losing streak stretches to 14
A third quarter comeback powered by Kyle Adnam and Alex Higgins-Titsha wasn’t enough to break the Taipans 14-game losing streak, with Melbourne United storming to a 76-66 victory at the Snakepit. Game breakdown here >>>
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Dean Vickerman and United have returned to winning ways, storming past the Taipans in a 76-66 victory at the Snakepit.
United, looking to end a four-game losing streak, blitzed the game open in the first quarter with sharpshooter Chris Goulding nailing a trio of threes and big man Robert Loe providing a number of ferocious flare screens.
Taipans, who rank last in the league for rebound percentage this season, were slaughtered on the glass in the opening half with one offensive rebound to Melbourne’s twelve (three to 18 at full time), while going 14 to 31 in total rebounds (30 to 58 at full-time).
“Happy with our defensive intent,” Goulding said at halftime.
“We scrambled defensively, we’re boxing out (for rebounds) and taking care of the defensive end. We need to be careful, keep executing and stay solid on (the defensive end).”
With a 17-point deficit against the Taipans heading into halftime.
The Far North side fought back in the third quarter with a strong defensive display, while the inclusion of experienced playmaker Kyle Adnam and rising star Alex Higgins-Titsha made an impact.
The former United guard slotted 12 points, but it was his composure in possession and vocal leadership that brought control back to his side’s offence.
Taipans coach Adam Forde opted to leave both point guards Adnam and Armstrong out on the floor, with the decision cutting the margin down to eight points at three-quarter time.
“Kyle was one of the few guys that helped tick the scoreboard over,” Forde said.
“He gave us the shot of offence that we needed (in the second half). (United) did a great job of denying Taran (Armstrong) and Rob (Edwards). We increased the volume of Kyle and he was able to tick a few boxes for us.”
Taipans import and leading scorer for the season Rob Edwards (six points from 2-12 FG, 0-5 from three and two assists), was left out during large parts of the quarter with his isolation scoring at times detrimental to the offence.
Melbourne United’s experience and poise took over in the fourth quarter with guns Marcus Lee (eight points and nine rebounds), Jack White (14 points and eight rebounds) and Ian Clark (12 points) all terrific.
Former Cleveland Cavalier Matthew Dellavedova had seven points and six assists.
Versatile Cairns forward Pedro Bradshaw battled hard, while Taipan’s big man Sam Waardenburg was a welcome addition to the side, returning from a thumb injury.
The power forward has been their most consistent player over the tough season.
80 days ago Taipans walked out of John Cain Arena with a 88-101 victory over this second-placed United side.
It could potentially be their last victory for 2024.
14 losses later the Snakes still haven’t found a way to find the finish line with one fixture remaining for the year against the Breakers on New Year’s Eve.
Live and die by the three
NBL can be incredible to watch when deadeye shooters from both sides are knocking down their jump shots.
This contest was the opposite.
Melbourne United shot a horrible 18.4 per cent from three (7-38), while the Taipans were marginally better with 28 per cent (9-32) from range.
There were periods where outstanding defence was at play, however the first half in particular had appalling returns.
With analytics taking over the game, the ‘live by the three, die by the three’ mantra will only continue for years to come.
Taran tied down
Taran Armstrong, who has been sensational over the past month was particularly targeted by the opposition, with his piercing pocket passing game constantly under pressure.
It would be difficult to question Armstrong’s intent, diving on loose balls and throwing his body on the line in the first half, but the point guard finished the half with zero points and two assists (four points and four assists for the match).
Vickerman said Armstrong was a focus heading into the game.
“Taran and Rob were two guys we wanted to slow down,” he said.
“We made them shoot an average percentage, (I’m) happy with the job we did on those two. We forced (Armstrong) to be a passer to the perimeter. We rotated well and got out to their three-point shooters. He’s been playing elite basketball and he’s got a massive future in the game.”
Loe rises
After being charged with unduly rough play against Anthony Drmic earlier in the week against the JackJumpers.
Loe had an effect on the contest, with eight rebounds and a number of instances of strong off-ball work to get teammates involved.
NBL24 champion Lee had high praise for the big man.
“Rob is a genius on the court,” Lee said.
“He knows how to play the game and he plays it like chess. He’s been playing it the smart way and he knows how we were trying to get (Goulding) great (open) shots to get him in a flow. He knows how to work the game that way.”
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