Hot-hand Chris Goulding gives Melbourne United finals lead over Perth Wildcats
Sharp-shooting skipper Chris Goulding has steered Melbourne United to a one-game lead in their NBL semi-final series, continuing their domination over Perth Wildcats.
Heading into the best of three series, United boasted a 3-0 head-to-head record this season and were able to stretch it to four with a 105-93 victory on Thursday night at John Cain Arena.
Goulding was almost unstoppable, piling on 41 points including 10 three-pointers in a shooting masterclass and he did it in only 24 minutes of action due to foul trouble.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Game two is in Perth on Saturday night, with Melbourne able to reach their second straight title decider with victory, with Illawarra and South East Melbourne squaring off in the other semi-final.
United got off to the best possible start with Goulding draining a triple after 12 seconds, and they pushed the lead out to 10 points before the Wildcats clawed their way back to trail 23-17 after the first quarter.
Key to Melbourne’s lead was the ability of the league’s defensive player of the year Shea Ili tagging Bryce Cotton and restricting the NBL’s Most Valuable Player to four points.
But the Wildcats found their rhythm in the second stanza with import Kristian Dolittle taking the lead, with his scoring tally out to 13 points.
Despite the best efforts of Melbourne guard Ian Clark who tipped in 16 points for the half, the visitors levelled with two minutes remaining.
Dylan Windler ensured Perth went into halftime with a 50-49 lead, making a free throw.
But Goulding caught fire in the third quarter to swing momentum back Melbourne’s way, with the dead-eye veteran nailing four three-pointers among his tally of 15 and United steaming ahead 81-71.
Perth also lost Tai Webster to a shoulder injury which looked like it could threaten his finals campaign.
Despite that disruption the Wildcats, hunting their first title since 2019, showed their class and piled on the first nine points of the final term to turn up the pressure on the home side.
But with Goulding leading the way, United were able to again kick away.
