Trimble leading United’s form lift
MELO Trimble had big shoes to fill at Melbourne United, but he’s looking increasingly comfortable after leading the heavyweights to a fourth straight NBL win.
The American point guard lit up Melbourne Arena yesterday with a season-high 32 points on 11-of-13 shooting, including three-of-four from beyond the arc as United beat the Adelaide 36ers 109-90.
Signed to replace premiership-winner Casper Ware in the off-season, 24-year-old Trimble has last season’s grand finalists purring again after their slow start to the season.
“I thought Melo played an amazing game,” coach Dean Vickerman said after his team’s fourth win in eight days.
“You go 11 for 13, hold [Jerome] Randle to a decent total and defend the way he did today, an outstanding contribution from him.”
The Sixers led by 12 in the early stages, but all their hard work came undone as the home side unleashed a 37-14 second-quarter onslaught to lead by 15 at halftime.
Adelaide tried valiantly to claw its way back into the match, cutting Melbourne’s advantage to seven in the third term, but United steadied to close it out.
Trimble swung the game with 15 points in the pivotal second term while Chris Goulding (20, five threepointers) and Shawn Long (16) scored crucial baskets in the second half to halt every Sixers rally.
After losing four of their first five games, United now sits at 5-4 and hosts four of their next six contests at Melbourne Arena, starting with a third derby clash against South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Meanwhile, a three-point barrage from import Didi Louzada has inspired NBL leader Sydney to a 104-85 win over defending champion Perth in their top-of-the-table clash. Louzada hit seven of his 11 long-range attempts yesterday at Qudos Bank Arena, including three in a row in a stunning third-quarter burst.
The No.35 pick in this year’s NBA draft finished the game with a career-high 28 points to help the Kings maintain top spot on the ladder. Sydney’s evening was soured, however, when Louzada limped off the court with cramp.