DrinkWise Preview: NBL22 - Round 18, Game 2 v Perth Wildcats

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United are set to defend their top spot on the NBL22 ladder when they head to Perth to face the Wildcats in the final game of Round 18.

Both sides are looking to return to form, with last year’s grand finalists having each dropped their last two games at home.

United will be hoping to take some positives from their last outing against the Illawarra Hawks on Saturday as they make the quick trip to the west.

For Perth, a win at home is crucial to hold the Tasmania JackJumpers at bay, who have continued marching towards a spot in the top four.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Despite the loss, Saturday night was big for United Captain Chris Goulding.

Coming into the game, the sharp-shooter had been in somewhat of a funk, averaging 10 points per game on 22% shooting from beyond the arc over his previous five games.

CG43 turned it around quickly against the Hawks, knocking down four of his seven triples on his way to 16 points.

He will have to take this form into RAC Arena, a venue he performed favourably in last season.

Goulding helped United to four wins from foru games in Perth last year, averaging 19 points per game in front of the Red Army.

KEY MATCHUP

In a matchup of two of the best athletes in the league, Jack White and Vic Law are set to meet at the rim on Monday night.

White has played a large role in keeping Law in across the side’s first two meetings, limiting the import forward to just 38% shooting from the field and 20% shooting from deep.

If United’s premier highlight machine can slow Law once again, while attacking offensively like he did against Illawarra (17 points), the defending champs will be poised for a much needed victory.

THE OTHER GUYS

Likely without Mitch Norton, who torched Melbourne’s defence in their first two games, even more pressure will be heaped on star guard Bryce Cotton.

The import is averaging 25 points per game against United this season, and will have to put together a similar performance to snap the Wildcats’ two-game skid.

Todd Blanchfield will do his best to keep the floor stretched for Perth, opening up drives and drop-off passes for the Likes of Luke Travers, Majok Majok and Matt Hodgson.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats

Tip off: 9.30pm (AEDT), Monday 4 April, 2022

Where: RAC Arena, Perth

Watch: Australia - ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel. International - NBL YouTube