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'They hold, they grab': Stu Lash calls out United
Milton Doyle of United slam dunks during the round nine NBL match between Melbourne United and Brisbane Bullets at John Cain Arena on November 15, 2025 in Melbourne. Photo: Graham Denholm/Getty Images
Highlights
United hold off Brisbane’s late surge as Milton Doyle leads NBL leaders to a 99–93 win in Melbourne
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Undermanned Brisbane gave Melbourne United all it could handle in a fourth-quarter comeback but in the end Dean Vickerman's ladder-leaders escaped with a 99-93 win in Round 9 of NBL26 at John Cain Arena on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
United, led by import Milton Doyle with 28 points, are now 11-2 while the Bullets dropped to 5-9.
Brisbane was down by as many as 21 without leading scorer Casey Prather, out for the season with a knee injury, and point guard Jaylen Adams, who was released by the club late last week. But they outscored United 39-27 in the fourth and got within three on the back of timely threes, despite shooting 15-from-35.
"There’s no victory in defeat," Bullets head coach Stu Lash said.
"We’ll take the effort. The game was there for us. I know how hard the guys are working and the togetherness and the brotherhood they have. I’m happy for them putting themselves in a position to get a win against a really quality, well-coached basketball team.
"We’re having a hard time on the foul count. Our guys are not getting the same level of respect as others in this league. Thirty-six to eleven.
"They hold, they grab. Tyrell gets no calls. The challenge on Walker is clearly a foul. Mitch Norton’s played in this league for 15 years — he gets thrown into the baseline.
"It is what it is, but there has to be some explanations.
"The league is very physical. We have guys in their first year, guys just coming into the league, and there’s always an adjustment.
"It’s far more physical than the NBA or G League. You can’t hold and grab like this off the ball there.
"I’m not picking on United — the foul disparity stood out tonight. We just have to adjust how we play and play through it.
"I’m not complaining; I’m pointing out a real number.
"We played through it well — scored 39 in the fourth. Our offense hasn’t been the problem — sometimes we drift from good offense, and that puts pressure on our defence.
"Our good is very good; our bad has been bad. We need more balance."
The free throw count was lopsided. United went to the line 36 times and made 31 while the Bullets made 8-of-11.
Vickerman responded to Lash: "We want to play with physicality.
"If we’re stepping over the line, we expect to be called for it. We had one possession where we got three fouls in the one trip.
"The league is encouraging physicality and hopefully we’re good enough to do it the right way.
"At times you get rewarded for attacking the paint, and that was part of our success tonight."
While the Bullets were without players, United welcomed back spark Shea Ili, who's missed the past nine games through injury. He finished with 10 points in 15 minutes.
"It was frustrating being on the sideline, but the boys did a great job while I was out," he said.
"Happy to be back. Body’s a bit sore, but credit to Steven and the medical staff for getting me to where I am today."
Key Details
- Result: Melbourne United 99 def. Brisbane Bullets 93
- When: 15th November 2025
- Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
- Standings
By the Numbers
- Milton Doyle (Melbourne United) starred with 28 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal in 29 minutes.
- Mitch Norton (Brisbane Bullets) scored 19 points, had two rebounds, two assists and one steal in 22 minutes.
What Happened
Melbourne United established control in the second quarter, outscoring Brisbane 23-14 to take a nine-point advantage into halftime. They continued their dominance in the third period with a 25-16 run, extending their lead to 18 points heading into the final quarter.
Jesse Edwards was exceptional for United in the first half, shooting a stellar 7-from-8 from the field for his 14 points. His efficient interior scoring gave Melbourne a consistent offensive presence when they needed it most.
The Bullets mounted a furious comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, outscoring United 39-27 in the final period. Lamar Patterson sparked Brisbane's late surge with 18 points including 4-from-7 from downtown, but it wasn't enough to overcome Melbourne's earlier dominance.
Milton Doyle's outstanding 28-point performance on 11-from-18 shooting was the difference-maker for Melbourne. The guard played with remarkable efficiency, adding six rebounds and four assists while committing zero turnovers in his 29 minutes on the floor.
Melbourne's superior free throw shooting proved crucial in maintaining their lead, connecting on 31-from-36 (86 percent) from the charity stripe compared to Brisbane's 8-from-11. United also dominated the glass, pulling down 46 rebounds to Brisbane's 41, with Kyle Bowen collecting seven offensive boards alone to create valuable second-chance opportunities.
Brisbane shot impressively from three-point range at 42 percent (15-from-35) compared to Melbourne's dismal 27 percent (6-from-22), but it wasn't enough to overcome their disadvantage at the free throw line. Tyrell Harrison was a bright spot for the Bullets, recording 16 points and 11 rebounds in a solid double-double performance.
