SEVEN straight NBL victories to start the 2025/26 NBL season has Melbourne United overwhelming title favourites across the first month. After accounting for Brisbane Bullets on Friday night, the ladder leaders came back and spanked New Zealand Breakers at home by 16 points despite a spirited third term from the side across the Tasman.

Melbourne United (104) def. New Zealand Breakers (88)

In another dominant performance, United reeled off 56 first-half points to race out to an 18-point lead at half-time against a Breakers outfit that was fresh off a second consecutive win at home. Unfortunately John Cain Arena is no Spark Arena, and the 8000-plus crowd in the house were spurring the unbeaten home side on to another big win.

To the Breakers credit, they hit back during the third term to give the visiting fans a bit of hope before turning to the last stanza, but ultimately Melbourne was too strong, settling in quarter four to win the last term and secured a 104-88 victory.

Evergreen veteran and United skipper Chris Goulding nailed six triples from eight attempts in just 18 minutes on court. The long-range threat finished with 23 points, three assists and two rebounds in that time, sharing the remarkable shooting bonanza with Tanner Krebs who let loose with five of eight of his own.

Krebs managed 17 points and three rebounds in 19 minutes, while Milton Doyle (12 points, four assists and three rebounds) and Kyle Bowen (13 points, three steals and two rebounds) were terrific off limited minutes. Jesse Edwards crashed nine defensive boards amongst a tot al of 10, while Tyson Walker (16 points, nine assists, four rebounds and four steals) was outstanding despite a lower shooting efficiency.

For the Breakers, it was star Parker Jackson-Cartwright who came agonisingly close to a triple-double with 20 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, while working well with Izaiah Brockington (25 points). Sam Mennenga (16 points, four rebounds).

Melbourne United next take a trip to Cairns on Friday night before returning home to clash with the 36ers on Sunday. New Zealand Breakers host Brisbane Bullets at Eventfinda Stadium on Thursday in their only clash for Round 6.