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New Zealand got the job done over Melbourne United on Sunday afternoon giving them a big mental advantage when they face the side again on Thursday when NBL finals begin.
REPORT: BREAKERS PIP UNITED IN LEAD UP TO SEMIS
For Melbourne, Chris Goulding was their best. He had 22, shooting well throughout the game. Once they up their energy level and address their rebounding issues, they will be hard to beat with the home ground advantage next week.
United’s big men will need to step up next week as one of the key stats was points in the paint. Tonight, the Breakers out scored them in this area 34-14, meaning the likes of Warrick and Majok will have to tighten the screws and dominate the paint in the coming week.
Final score
Melbourne United 68
New Zealand Breakers 70
Melbourne United, who are the 2015-16 NBL Minor Premiers, will look to get back to their winning ways as they host the New Zealand Breakers. Join The Roar for all the action from 2:45pm (AEDT).
The two teams met a couple of days ago, with The Breakers taking the spoils in a one-sided affair. Melbourne, deciding to rest three key players, were not themselves and will be looking to rebound back into form.
Strategically, today will be interesting, as these sides are set to meet again in week one of the finals series. Will both sides put their best five on the court, or will mind games be played in the hope of gaining an upper hand for next week?
Melbourne will have home court advantage over the fourth placed Breakers, no matter the result today. United have been huge at home all year, with a record of 11-2 leading into this one. The Breakers have only won four games away from home this season, which could be their Achilles heel. Three of their next four games will be held at Hisense Arena.
If the Breakers are to upset Melbourne away from home, look for Cedric Jackson and Corey Webster to fire. Webster averages 20.7 PPG away from home this season, meaning he is the man the Breakers will be looking for here today.
For Melbourne, it will depend on their mindset heading into the game. With top spot sealed, will they play at full strength or give their stars reduced minutes? Do they play all of their cards now or wait until finals time?
If they come out all guns blazing, look for their point guards to take over once more. Stephen Holt and Chris Goulding have been outstanding all year, if one of the two gets their shot going, it could be lights out for New Zealand. Look for Goulding to be the man, averaging a little over 21 points on his home court this season.
Prediction
I’m predicting Melbourne to be back at full strength, meaning they are my favourites today. I think they’ll be too strong for the Breakers in this one.
Melbourne by 12
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