MELBOURNE United lifted in the second quarter to win by 15 points at John Cain Arena to kick start their campaign, following United’s good form in the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast.

With both teams off to a rusty start in the early stages of the game, the Phoenix had the momentum. United struggled to drop shots offensively, but found themselves back into the game by their bench, to take the lead by five at quarter time.

United lifted in the second quarter, scoring 16-9, setting the tempo and shooting the ball well from three point range, shooting 38 per cent, compared to the Phoenix, shooting at 18 per cent.

United lifted and found their momentum offensively, with the Phoenix rising in the points in paint category in the first half, scoring 20-14.

Matthew Dellavedova stood up in the first half, scoring 17 points, whilst Tyler Cook scored nine points. United’s bench stepped up in the third quarter, scoring 21 to four.

In the second half, United continued to set the tempo, despite the Phoenix making mini scoring runs, led by Ben Ayre, who finished the game with 17 points. United finished the game strongly, winning the last quarter, 18-17.

Speaking to the media post-game, Melbourne United head coach Dean Vickerman spoke about the scoring his side found late in the first quarter and going into the second quarter.

“To hold a team to nine points in the second quarter and what we’re trying to establish offensively made a pretty good statement,” he said.

With Phoenix making runs and hitting shots in the third quarter, Vickerman praised his team’s efforts offensively and defensively.

“At times when they (Phoenix) went to switching, we made some pretty good reads and it’s great to see what the team are capable of doing and running set plays,” he said.

Dellavedova spoke to the media about the aggression to the basket and making it a vocal point of improvement in his game.

“I’ve worked on my game a lot. I’ve had a good run of being healthy, body and game,” he said.

Dellavedova said it was great being able to partner up with Shea Ili and share the role together in the rotation.

“Shea is tough as they come, one of the best defenders,” he said. “He can fight through in a moving screen, he’s always diving on the floor, getting loose balls and taking chargers. He just does stuff that inspires the whole team.”