United imports help end streak
MELO Trimble and Shawn Long’s credentials were on show at RAC Arena on Saturday night, as the pair dominated in Melbourne United’s 13point NBL win against the Perth Wildcats.
The reigning premier had no answers as Melbourne’s two imports dropped 23 points apiece in an 87-74 victory that flattered the home side.
Trimble was a headache for the Wildcats from the opening tip-off, dropping eight points in the opening term. Long penetrated the Cats offensive consistently and several of his dunks and alley-oop finishes will feature on the game’s highlight reel. He completed a double-double, with 13 rebounds, as did Mitch McCarron (12 points and 12 rebounds).
They successfully took away one of Perth’s great advantages, their second chance scoring.
In one and two-point victories over Melbourne earlier this the season, the Wildcats scored 18 and 19 points respectively from offensive rebounds that they turned into scores.
On Saturday, they had zero points from this method by half-time and finished with only six for the game.
Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman was impressed by the discipline his players showed. “Rebounding was massive for us tonight,” he said.
“They still came up with nine offensive rebounds, but it was a solid effort for us to come over here and win the boards.
“We defended both the three-point line and the paint at a very high level today.
“I don’t think we fouled a three-point shot tonight, which we have been guilty of in the first two games against the Wildcats.”
Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson was disappointed his players didn’t produce a better effort, considering how big a game it was. “This is the kind of game you want to come out breathing fire and we had little puffs of smoke, that’s it,” he said.