In what was essentially a “behind closed doors” match-up, with no statistics kept, Melbourne United have defeated Chinese Taipei in convincing fashion, 111-74.
Chinese Taipei arrived in Australia earlier in the week and hope to use this tour as a way to prepare for competition in the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup. The Asian side will compete in the same pool as the Australian Boomers (Group D) and the two sides will face off on November 24.
The chance to face Chinese Taipei gave United an opportunity to test recently signed stars Daniel Dillon and David Barlow, who is no doubt chomping at the bit to return to the court after two seasons of injury woes. Development players Tohi-Smith Milner and Sam Short were also able to get some on court experiance.
Barlow relished the oppourtunity to return to the court and led the way for the Victorian side with a game-high 22 points, while promising Kyle Adnam added 16 points and Craig Moller 12 points respectively.
”Dave’s in the process of just getting himself in game shape so these games are great for him and he utilised his time really well today,” United Assistant Coach Simon Mitchell said post-game.
”He was a good presence on the boards, and boxing out, and offensively he really shone.”
Barlow wasn’t the only one praised by the assistant coach, who has shared some positive feedback on Dillon.
”On the small amount we’ve seen of him so far he’s going to be really great for us,” Mitchell said of Dillon.’
United will now have more than two weeks to prepare for their next match, which has been scheduled to take place on July 16 against Team China.