Vickerman praises 3rd-quarter lockdown defense

Melbourne United head coach Dean Vickerman pointed to his team's ability to stick to their roles and defensive discipline as keys to their commanding 97-70 victory (Game Centre) against the New Zealand Breakers in Christchurch on Thursday, December 12, 2024

It was Melbourne’s fifth consecutive NBL25 victory and maintained their spot at the top of the standings with an 11-4 record.

"We were challenged today, and firstly we just talked about the roles that people needed to play and just being themselves, not trying to be Chris or Ian or any one of those guys," Vickerman said post-game.

"The defence that we played in the third quarter, holding them to seven points, was really the game-breaker.

"There was a great synergy to our group today and we had a lot of fun."

The match opened with both clubs adjusting to significant absences. Melbourne were without Ian Clark, Chris Goulding, and Marcus Lee, while the Breakers were without Jonah Bolden, Tacko Fall, and Dane Pineau.

Despite a close first half, with Melbourne leading 46-43 at halftime, the third quarter proved decisive. The Breakers managed just seven points in the term, while United poured in 24, breaking the game open and never looking back.

Rob Loe led the way for Melbourne with 25 points, three rebounds, and three assists, including an emphatic dunk in the final quarter. Jack White added 16 points and 10 rebounds, with Matthew Dellavedova contributing 10 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. Shea Ili chipped in 10 points, six assists, and three rebounds, while Tanner Krebs added nine points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

United’s dominance was reflected in key statistical categories, including a 26-6 advantage in fast-break points, 16-5 in second-chance points, and 10-2 in points off turnovers. United simply overwhelmed the Breakers in the second half.

The Breakers have now lost three straight games, dropping to a 7-6 record. Matt Mooney finished with 17 points and four rebounds for New Zealand, while Sam Mennenga added 17 points and four boards, and Parker Jackson-Cartwright contributed 14 points and three rebounds.

Breakers head coach Petteri Koponen expressed frustration with his team’s lack of cohesion: "The worst thing tonight was for the first time I didn't see us as a team. We were talking way too much, we were trying to find excuses all time.

"I know we are having some adversity with all the guys who are injured, guys who are coming back from injuries and trying to find the rhythm with the changes.

"I get it, with the travel and lack of practice time, but still the most important thing for me moving forward is we still have to be playing as a team."