Anthony, Oduro dominate as United hit back

Melbourne United have struggled to close out close games, but that wasn’t an issue back home to the Sydney Kings on Sunday as they opened up a 16-point lead and won 105-95 with Cole Anthony and Josh Oduro combining for 57 points.

United were coming off another heartbreaking one-point loss in Perth on Friday night where they did plenty right again but close it out with the Kings playing their first interstate game of NBL27 coming off hammering the Illawarra Hawks on Thursday.

That set the stage nicely for a tantalising match up to close Round 6 with the two teams combining for 63 points in the first quarter. Melbourne kept that momentum going to lead 56-51 by half-time on 9/13 three-point shooting.

Sydney attempted to mount a fourth quarter fightback, but could never get close enough to strike and Anthony closed the deal with a triple with two minutes to go for United to win by 10 and improve to 4-5.

Melbourne finished up taking 14 extra shots for the game despite 11 fewer free throws while forcing Sydney into 16 turnovers.

Anthony had a standout performance with 30 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two blocks on 10/22 shooting with 3/8 from deep and 7/9 at the stripe.

Oduro was again a powerhouse down low for 27 points and five rebounds on 10/16 shooting with 6/6 from the foul line.

Luke Travers also had 19 points, three assists and two rebounds, Shea Ili eight points, two assists and two steals, and Sam Waardenburg 10 points and six rebounds even having fouled out in the third quarter and playing just 13 minutes.

The Kings are now 5-3 with the loss and it was a tough outing for reigning Championship Series MVP Kendric Davis. He had 12 points and five assists but also five turnovers while shooting 3/16.

Torrey Craig did try to lead their fightback to end up with 22 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals on 4/8 shooting from deep with Andrew Carr continuing his impressive form with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Xavier Cooks also had 14 points, 10 rebounds and six assists while Makuach Maluach had another nine points, three boards and two assists.

It was the first meeting of the season between the two teams and it was a hot opening with a combined 63 points on 11/18 three-point shooting in the first quarter.

That saw Melbourne leading 32-31 by the end of one with 7/9 shooting from deep themselves including 2/3 from Sam Waardenburg while his front court partner Josh Oduro was already up to nine points.

Andrew Carr was showing the way for the Kings with nine points and two rebounds already.

United then took all the momentum into half-time with a strong finish to the second frame to be leading 56-51 while being up to shooting 9/13 at 69 per cent from beyond the arc.

Cole Anthony was warming up nicely with 17 points and hitting both his three-point attempts for Melbourne to be leading even with Waardenburg sitting with the four fouls including a technical.

United took further control in the third quarter even with Waardenburg picking up his fifth foul when he briefly returned to the floor.

Oduro added another eight points in the quarter and by three quarter-time it was the home team in control leading 77-64.

Sydney did show signs of building momentum in the last period and got back within nine with a three-pointer from Torrey Craig after just two minutes.

But Melbourne continued to have the answers, including a huge triple from Anthony with just over two minutes to play as United went on to secure the 10-point win.

United are on the road to the Cairns Taipans next on Saturday night while the Kings head straight to Perth take on the in-form Wildcats on Wednesday in an Ignite Cup match up.

MELBOURNE UNITED 105 – SYDNEY KINGS 95

Melbourne United
Cole Anthony – 30 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks
Josh Oduro – 27 points, 5 rebounds
Luke Travers – 19 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds
Sam Waardenburg – 10 points, 6 rebounds
Shea Ili – 8 points, 2 assists, 2 steals

Sydney Kings
Torrey Craig – 22 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
Andrew Carr – 18 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks
Xavier Cooks – 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists
Kendric Davis – 12 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds
Makuach Maluach – 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists