DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Playoff Series Game 2 v Perth Wildcats

We are set to head on the road with the opportunity of securing our spot in the Champion Series on Saturday night when we face off against the Perth Wildcats inside RAC Arena.

41 points from Chris Goulding and a stout defensive effort helped us lock down a Game 1 victory last night in front of a raucous John Cain Arena crowd.

We will be hoping Head Coach Dean Vickerman can guide the playing group down the path we’ve walked across the past few seasons, which has seen us tally 10 wins in our last 11 games against the Wildcats in ‘The Jungle’.

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

(Past five games)
United - W, W, W, W, W

Wildcats - W, W, W, W, L

Looking at the trends heading into Game 2, our defence has continued to act as the barometer for success this season.

We were able to restrict Perth to 93 points last night, improving our record to 19-3 when holding teams under 100 points.

For the Wildcats, their ability to get out in transition can be a huge indicator for their success. On Thursday, Perth scored just two points off turnovers and only tallied eight fast-break points.

They have scored less than 15 fast break points in all four losses to Melbourne this season.

STARS COLLIDE

In a battle of two of the most prolific scorers in NBL history, Chris Goulding outshined Bryce Cotton on Thursday evening.

Heading into Saturday, all eyes will be one which of the two superstars can top together another strong performance.

Goulding is of course coming off his historic 41-point, 10-three-pointer effort, and is averaging over 28 points per game against the Wildcats this season.

Cotton will also look to take some confidence into Saturday after producing his highest scoring effort against us this season (22 points).

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats

Tip-off: 8pm AEDT, Saturday 1 March, 2025

Where: RAC Arena, Perth

Watch: ESPN