Melbourne United centre Robert Loe broke a 193-game curse on Thursday night when his surprising 30-bomb blew away his Brisbane Bullets rivals 120-103 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. For the first time ever in his 193-game NBL career, Loe erupted in a telling 30-point explosion. It came on an efficient 11-19 shooting and it hurt Brisbane in more ways than one.

The Bullets have now won just one from four in their new BEC fortress. The loss also followed a frantic win over Cairns that gave them short-lived confidence. On the other side of the fence, United offered a stirring response to their 34-point blowout loss against the Breakers at home on Monday. United did not fire a shot in that match played just 72 hours prior to their comprehensive thwarting of an underdone Bullets outfit that has played just eight games in eight rounds.

Entering the match, only twice had Loe landed four threes in a match. He drained six, which complimented his deft interior masterclass that proved the peanut butter to Chris Goulding’s (19 points, five threes) jelly. Together, the pair spearheaded United to their eighth win and second place on the ladder. Although the final moments of their bounce-back win were hindered by a power outage that caused a 15-minute disruption three minutes from full time.

Melbourne literally shot the lights out (64 per cent 2P, 44 per cent 3P), with all five starters reaching double digit scores. All five of Brisbane’s starters also posted 10 or more points but they could not match it with their efficient opponents who always had a silencing response whenever Brisbane threatened to move into striking distance.

Goulding’s Shooting Prowess

New year, same Goulding. Melbourne’s three-point-specialist Chris Goulding was at his brilliant best in front of a vocal Brisbane crowd, quelling any mini-run from Brisbane with his deep shooting prowess. After the Bullets had blitzed United out of the Gates to lead 10-2, sharp shooter Goulding and 211cm monster Loe clicked the visitors into gear and moved them ahead in a flash.

Goulding scorched early, and then again in the second quarter on his way to 16 first half points and Lee the same with his interior play on song. Five threes from Goulding and a handful of oohs and aarhs later and United led 52-45 at half time.

Norton’s Influence

He is 350 games into an accomplished NBL career and yet veteran point guard Mitch Norton is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, since joining the Bullets at the start of last season, Norton has brought new life into his 13-year professional career which started at 18 years of age when he was the youngest ever captain of the Townsville Crocodiles.

The team captain, Norton sets a high standard for his teammates with the hustle plays. Jumping on a loose ball, taking a charge, deflecting passes and everything in between. That is his bread and butter. He also adds value with his scoring ability, Norton one of Brisbane’s most efficient and influential. By halftime, the speedy 31-year-old had nine points and was in part responsible for Brisbane’s hot start.

Brisbane's Defensive Woes

It was quickly distinguished by United flamethrower Goulding. Brisbane coach Justin Schueller is a firm believer that defence wins games. On Thursday night, it was on that end of the court where his Bullets were their worst enemy. The home side had conceded 85 points after three quarters. In this league, that is 10-15 points too many if you want to be in a winning position down the stretch.

Heading into the final frame, United had 44 paint points compared to Brisbane’s 32. United had 20 second chance points. Brisbane, 13. The visitors were also superior in transition where they ran in 13 fast break points, nine more than their rivals. Brisbane couldn’t get it going from deep either, the home side landing just three treys in as many quarters before trying to return from 14 points down with 10 minutes to play. The comeback attempt was quelled with formidable force by United. Indeed Brisbane’s wounds were, for the most part, self inflicted. It didn’t help that United were able to knock down key threes in crucial moments when the Bullets’ lapsed on defence.

Loe's Historic Performance

Loe went to work to start the final period, connecting on two free-throws to equal his previous best before knocking down a three to, for the first time in his NBL career, register a 30-point game. This, along with some powerful finishes around the basket from White and a tremendous defensive performance from Shea Ili, propelled United to a comfortable 120-103 victory.

Melbourne United 111 (R. Loe 30pts, J.White 17pts, C. Goulding 19pts) def Brisbane Bullets (C.Prather 21pts, K.Cook 19pts, J.Bannan 17pts).

Melbourne will be back on the floor on Saturday evening from 8pm for their Indigenous Round matchup with the Perth Wildcats at John Cain Arena. Tickets remain available here.

Melbourne United Extends Dominance over Brisbane Bullets

A late power outage could not prevent Melbourne United extending their long-running NBL dominance of the Brisbane Bullets with a 120-103 victory. A power failure inside the Brisbane Entertainment Centre with just over three minutes remaining delayed Thursday night's game for almost half an hour, but it didn't change the trajectory of the contest.

Melbourne were leading 104-89 at the time before going on to score the 17-point victory once play was restarted. Melbourne came into the game off a 34-point hammering at the hands of the league-leading New Zealand Breakers and The Bullets made a flying start in captain Mitch Norton the 350th NBL game. Keandre Cook hit eight quick points to help them to a 10-2 lead but Melbourne soon got it on their terms at a faster pace before opening a double-digit first-half lead on the back of Chris Goulding and Rob Loe combining for six three-pointers.

Goulding hit his fifth triple of the game early in the third quarter before Loe nailed his third and fourth from deep later that period to put the lead at 16 before the final 17-point margin either side of the delay. It's a 12th straight victory for Melbourne against Brisbane dating back to March 2021 and they are yet to lose consecutive regular-season games in the last 23 months.

United hit back from coach Dean Vickerman's biggest-ever loss on Monday night with Loe producing a 192-game career high of 30 points while Goulding put up 21 points and three assists. They combined for 11 threes, with Jack White adding 17 points and Ian Clark 18.

Brisbane are 3-5 after a league-low eight games over the first rounds and without another game until next Sunday, with the loss further soured by what looked a nasty lower leg injury to experienced forward Jarred Bairstow. Cook top-scored for Brisbane with 23 points while Casey Prather added 21 points and eight rebounds, Josh Bannan 14 points and milestone man Norton 12 points.

Australian Associated Press