Mitsubishi Match Recap: NBL25 Playoff Series Game 3 v Perth Wildcats

Melbourne United have outlasted the Perth Wildcats in Game 3 of their Playoff Series on Tuesday evening.

United started the game well, as Matthew Dellavedova scored off an offensive rebound for the first bucket of the game.

Hot shooting from Chris Goulding and Ian Clark followed this, however Perth’s stars found success at the other end, drawing fouls and connecting on their long-range looks to pull ahead by as many as 14 points.

Tanner Krebs was able to cut the margin to 11 in the final play of the period, sinking a triple to beat the buzzer.

Looking to shoot their way back into the game, Clark and Goulding took the game into their own hands, connecting on seven shots from beyond the arc to help retake the lead.

The duo combined for 42 first-half points, bringing the Melbourne crowd to their feet.

Perth’s MVP Bryce Cotton was able to hit back, pushing the visitors back in front 62-58 heading into the major break.

Jack White immediately made an impact coming out of half time, scoring nine points in less than three minutes to bring United back to within one point.

Clark then gave Melbourne back the lead on a pair of scores around the hoop before adding a three-pointer late in the period to put the home side in front by five points.

The Wildcats were able to tie the game, however some great hustle from Tanner Krebs led to another White triple to beat the buzzer and put United up 87-84.

The final period was full of swings, as both sides traded the lead across an intense 10 minutes.

Goulding showcased his elite level of skill and desperation, diving into the crowd to save a loose ball before cashing in from three at the other end.

In between that and another big triple, CG43 secured a chasedown block, sending the John Cain Arena crowd crazy.

Despite this, it would all come down to the final play. 

With the score tied 112-112, United ran a perfect play as Dellavedova found a cutting Goulding under the hoop to draw the foul.

With the game on the line, Goulding sank his first free throw before missing the second intentionally, leaving no time for the Wildcats to respond and secure the 113-112 victory.

The victory sends United into a Championship Series for the second consecutive season.