Marquee centre Jock Landale has propelled Melbourne United to a comprehensive 93-82 victory over South East Melbourne Phoenix in Saturday's derby at John Cain Arena.
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Landale monstered Phoenix for 27 points and 11 rebounds inside 24 minutes before feeling cramp in his right leg early in the fourth quarter and sitting out the rest of the Throwdown.
The final scoreline flattered Phoenix who led 31-24 at quarter-time and finished strongly to rattle off the last 11 points as Landale-less United eased off the gas considerably.
But when it really mattered, United were in complete control, outscoring their hometown rivals 55-28 across the middle two quarters to quickly wipe aside Wednesday's shock aberration against Perth.
"Our defence in the second and third quarter got to a really high level," Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman said.
"Really pleased with what we got from everybody.
"We locked in a playoff spot which is always a good thing with eight games to go."
With Izayah Mauriohooho-Le Afa (19 points) impressing and fellow guard Reuben Te Rangi (17) enjoying his best game of the season, SEM started sharply on the offensive end.
They led by six points early in the second stanza before Melbourne, spearheaded by Landale and import sixth man Scotty Hopson (15 points), got to work, attacking Phoenix's defence and spinning the contest around completely.
United led 52-47 at halftime and continued to press home their advantage in the third, thanks chiefly to Landale, who was unstoppable with his mix of hooks, post manoeuvres and long bombs.
With Mitch Creek enduring a rare scoreless night, Phoenix became completely dispirited at both ends, battered 27-12 for the term as the gap widened to 79-59 at three-quarter time.
Melbourne's advantage blew out to 22 before Phoenix recovered some late ground in the fourth.
Veteran Dave Andersen, who turns 41 next month and was drafted in as an injury replacement for Jack White (ruptured Achilles), played the last three minutes for United and looms as a finals X-factor for the ladder leaders.
"I thought we got our arses kicked tonight," SEM coach Simon Mitchell said.
"We didn't have many answers for them in the third quarter.
"But I liked the fact we ran to the finish line ... we didn't stop, we didn't walk to the line."
Australian Associated Press
