NBL round 14: United defeats Cairns, Bullets star import ruled out of the season

Melbourne United have added to Cairns’ barren run, getting back to winning ways to start their long away game stretch. Meanwhile, the Bullets have taken a hit on the injury front.

Melbourne United have returned to winning ways. Picture: Emily Barker/Getty Images

Dean Vickerman and Melbourne United have returned to winning ways, storming past the Taipans in a 76-66 victory over the Taipans 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 tenth in the league for rebound percentage this season, were slaughtered on the glass with one offensive rebound to Melbourne’s twelve, while going 14 to 31 in total rebounds.

Taran Armstrong, who has been sensational over the past month was particularly targetted by the opposition, with his piercing pocket passing game constantly under pressure.

United proved too good on Thursday night. Picture: Emily Barker/Getty Images

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 finished the half with zero points and two assists (four points and four assists for the match).

Dean Vickerman pointed out pre-game that the Taipans average 32 threes a game, with a focus on closing out and contesting on the perimeter shooters.

“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).”

The Far North side fought back in the third quarter with a strong defensive display, while the inclusion of experienced playmaker Kyle Adnam made an impact.

The former United guard slotted 12 points, but it was composure in possession and vocal leadership that brought control back to his side’s offence.

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.

It was the latest defeat in a barren run for the Taipans. Picture: Emily Barker/Getty Images

Taipans import Rob Edwards and leading scorer for the season, Rob Edwards (six points from 2-12 FG 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 Jack White (14 points and eight rebounds) and Ian Clark (12 points) both 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, with the power forward their most consistent player over the tough season.

80 days ago Taipans walked out of John Cain Arena with a 88-101 victory.

It could potentially be their last victory for the year.

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 Years Eve.

BULLETS’ SURGE TAKES A HIT WITH STAR IMPORT RULED OUT FOR SEASON

- Matt Logue

The Brisbane Bullets’ top-six hopes have copped a blow with import guard James Batemon ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury.

It’s the worst possible news for the revitalised Bullets given Batemon’s brilliant scoring form in NBL25.

In November, the American entered the record books with 51 points in Brisbane’s big win over Perth.

Batemon’s scintillating solo performance was the most points scored by a Bullets player in the NBL’s 40-minute era since 2009.

His nine three-pointers were also the most made by a Brisbane player in the 40-minute game.

James Batemon has been ruled out of the rest of NBL25. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Sadly, the Bullets will have to fire without their gun import for the rest of the season.

Batemon sustained the hamstring injury during the team’s recent victory over the Cairns Taipans.

Bullets head coach is remaining optimistic despite the significant injury setback.

“James has been key in our growth this season, both on and off the court,” Schueller said.

“We’ll regroup, adapt, and continue to push towards our goals.”

Josh Kunen will replace Batemon in the lineup for Friday’s night’s game against the Hawks as the Bullets weigh up signing an injury replacement in the coming weeks.

Bullets CEO Malcolm Watts believes the team possess the depth to counter Batemon’s season-ending injury.

“James has been an integral part of our success this season, bringing leadership, energy, and exceptional playmaking ability to the court,” Watts said.

“It’s always difficult to see a player sidelined, especially ones as dedicated as James. However, we are confident in our squad’s resilience and are actively evaluating the player market for an import replacement who can help us maintain our momentum.”

The fifth-placed Bullets currently hold an 9-8 record and remain in the hunt for a strong finish to the NBL season.