DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Throwdown rivalry set for next chapter

Key Details

MELBOURNE UNITED (2-0) 2nd – SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (1-0) 1st 
Where: John Cain Arena
When: Thursday, September 25 at 7:30pm
Watch: ESPN

The Throwdowns were split 2-2 in NBL25, and both Melbourne sides will be eager to start the new series with a statement win.

The Phoenix are coming off a massive 37-point victory over the Taipans, with their defensive identity on full display, led by import John Brown III, who finished with six steals.

Dean Vickerman’s side also impressed in Round 1, going 2-0 despite the absence of captain Chris Goulding (quad injury).

The two teams clashed in pre-season, with United edging out with a six-point win in a typically tight contest. A month later, both rosters look different, with added pieces and valuable minutes under their belts.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Akech Aliir will miss the Throwdown due to personal reasons. He will be replaced by Ellis Biggar.

United

United will be without captain Chris Goulding for another round due to a quad injury.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Foster Spark

The 24-year-old was elevated to a full roster role after a standout performance in the pre-season and warm-up Throwdown. Fans got to see the spark that Daniel Foster can bring off the bench going hard at the ball. In just 13 minutes on court, he had six points, four rebounds, and two steals.

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 8-17 United

Last time out – Rd 20, NBL25
Phoenix 93-103 United

Phoenix
Ayre 15p
Hurt 14p
Sobey 11p

United
Ili 18p
Krebs 16p
Bowen 15p