3 minute read
Following a string of subpar performances, Melbourne have locked in defensively to crush the Perth Wildcats and stake their claim at holding their NBL crown.
Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman is banking on a renewed focus on the defensive side of the ball to drive his team's bid for back-to-back NBL championships.
After conceding 90 points or more in two defeats against the Brisbane Bullets, United responded in the best way possible at Melbourne Arena on Monday night against the ladder-leading Perth Wildcats.
United turned a tight contest into a blowout during the pivotal third quarter by holding the Wildcats to two-of-15 shooting as they outscored them 23-6.
"That's who we want to be," Vickerman said after the 82-65 victory over Perth.
"We might not be the best defensive team in the league overall this year but the second half of the year, we want to be the best defensive team and we made a strong statement tonight."
Perth's six-point tally in the third was the second lowest scoring quarter in the franchise's long history.
United kept the Wildcats' array of attacking options in check with import Bryce Cotton's league-leading scoring average taking a hit after making just four-of-15 shots to finish on 11 points.
Vickerman credited his squad's senior leaders for setting the tone leading into the clash with Perth.
"I thought we had a good week of practice," he said.
"We got after it, it was confrontational early in the week.
"It had the physicality that was required to try and match a team like Perth in the physicality areas."
Captain Chris Goulding led all scorers with 19 points while four other United players finished in double figures.
"We were a little disappointed in how we responded to being challenged the last couple of games," Goulding said after Melbourne returned to the winners list.
"To hold a team to 65 (points) tonight that has the offensive firepower that they do ... it was a good response."
The win sets up a tight race at the top of the NBL ladder with Perth (11-4) just ahead of Melbourne (10-5) and the surging Sydney Kings (9-4), who have risen to second spot on the back of their current four-match unbeaten streak.
Melbourne will look to end Sydney's winning run when they travel to the harbour city to face the Kings on Sunday.
