A DOMINANT fourth quarter performance from Melbourne United in their clash against the SEM Phoenix at John Cain Arena saw the former claim a 20-point win to open Round 2 of the 2025/26 National Basketball League.

Thursday night saw another instalment of the Throwdown Series, which sees the two Melbourne-based teams lock horns in a matchup that is as unpredictable as any in the competition. Both sides came into the clash undefeated – albeit from a small sample size – and were looking to continue that record as the second week got underway.

Although it was a see-sawing affair for the first three quarters, the fourth term saw United put the foot down in a dominant display, cruising home to their third win of the season to move comfortably to the top of the standings.

Melbourne United (103) def. South East Melbourne Phoenix (83)

In a physical opening term, it was United who looked to get on the front foot with six made triples on seven attempts, although Nathan Sobey dropped 12 points in the first quarter to keep the Phoenix in the contest. At the first change, Melbourne had overcome eight early turnovers to still lead by five points and still look the better side despite some impressive Sobey shotmaking.

Momentum shifted hands multiple times in the second frame, but again it was United who were able to show better offensive production, with the starters doing most of the heavy lifting. Melbourne’s lead ballooned out to double-digits prior to half time, but the Phoenix rallied late to pull the margin back to six points at the main break.

Although United looked to put the game to bed in the third frame, it was Sobey who again put South East Melbourne on his back, with the veteran guard lighting up after half time with another 12 points in the period. Despite Melbourne being the better team for most of the match, the veteran guard had helped the Phoenix stay within five points at three-quarter time and single-handedly gave his team a chance.

An early Milton Doyle three-pointer sank the hearts of South East Melbourne, and United took control of proceedings from there. A dagger three-pointer from NBL Next Star and NBA Draft prospect Dash Daniels was the sealing play and erupted John Cain Arena as Melbourne stamped their claims as the best team in the competition early in the season with another win.

Doyle showed exactly why United brought him in over the off-season, dropping 18 points on 7/14 shooting in another strong outing from the import guard, who remains as crucial as anyone to Melbourne’s title hopes.

Fellow import Tyson Walker was electric in the backcourt as well, dropping 13 points and eight dimes in the win, while Shea Ili (13 points, four rebounds, seven assists) and Daniels (nine points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals) had some big plays as well.

Sobey was far and away the standout for the Phoenix, finishing the match with a game-high 26 points as his first and third quarter bursts keep his side in the contest. Import John Brown III was again elite on the defensive end, finishing with three steals and three blocks to go with his 13 points.