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Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne UnitedSaturday March 08, 8:00pm |
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Illawarra versus Melbourne. Justin Tatum versus Dean Vickerman. Tyler Harvey versus Chris Goulding. There are countless juicy storylines headed into Game One of the Grand Final Series as we see the Hawks feature in the ‘Big Dance’ after finishing last just two seasons ago. They oppose United whom have finished 4th or better in seven of their last nine seasons. Tatum the reigning COY comes up against Vickerman, a recipient of the award 3X. Whilst Harvey comes up against Goulding, two Guards who can heat up from deep with just a simple flick of the wrists. No matter who you support and no matter what stakes you have in the Grand Final, one thing is abundantly clear. That is that this is going to be one hell of a series!
The Hawks have ‘soared’ into this matchup off the back of their 30-point Game Three victory over the Phoenix at the WIN Entertainment Centre. They crushed South Melbourne into oblivion as they put up 37, 33 and 33PTS over the course of the opening three quarters. Trey Kell III had himself one heck of a performance as he put up 30PTS on 9/9 shooting from the FT line in addition to 4REB, 5AST and 1STL. Whilst veteran Todd Blanchfield turned back the clock with 28PTS on 8/12 shooting from deep + 4REB + 1STL.
Meanwhile United crushed and crushed their way for the chance to face off against Illawarra after their Game Three dub over the Wildcats at John Cain Arena. They triumphed 113-112 in what was arguably one of the NBL’s best ever games. Melbourne found themselves down by 11PTS at the end of Q1 but they fought their way back valiantly. Ian Clark was tremendous off the bench with 38PTS, as he fired off for 6/9 from beyond the arc, as well as 2REB and 3AST. Whilst Chris Goulding was his usual reliable self with 30PTS on 9/12 shooting from deep + 4REB + 1AST + 1STL + 1BLK.
Last five meetings and top performers; ILL W 117-95 @ WIC & Trey Kell III w 23PTS, ILL W 106-93 @ JCA & Tyler Harvey w 31PTS, MEL W 92-87 @ WIC & Chris Goulding w 25PTS, MEL W 106-100 (Club Friendly) and MEL W 100-94 @ JCA & Shea Ili w 22PTS.
Defence is the key here to each organisation getting an incredibly decisive Game One victory. For both sides it’s what they’ve done best all season long. During Illawarra’s most recent dub over South East Melbourne they limited them to just 33 RBD in total, whilst the Hawks themselves had 50. Whilst for United in their win over the Wildcats they kept them to just 12/31 shooting from beyond the arc. Whilst Melbourne themselves went a very impressive 20/37 (54%). Wani Swaka Lo Buluk & Sam Froling + Shea Ili & Jack White are the keys to each rival respectively in that department. They turn defence into offence and collect the crucial boards needed for their teams. Expect an incredibly closely contested contest with neither side giving up inch.
Betting tips: Back Melbourne to edge out this affair at $3.00 (Bet365)
Also pick them to just claim Q1 at $2.35 (BetRight, UniBet)
Also pick the total points scored in Q4 to be 49 or over at $1.79 (UniBet)
Trey Kell III should also score 20 or more points, likewise Chris Goulding at $2.10 and $2.25 (Bet365)