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The once unbeatable Melbourne United will be out to get their season back on track as well as for revenge when they travel north and take on the giant-killing Townsville Crocodiles at the Townsville Entertainment Centre. Join The Roar for live scores of the match from 7:30pm (AEDT).
United and the Crocodiles have already met on three occasions this season, meaning this is the last time they will face each other unless they make the finals.
In a season series United were expected to win 4-0, they now come into the final game with the very real possibility of splitting it two games apiece.
United took the first two games in ridiculously easy fashion, winning by 15 and then 31 points. However the third game, just last week at Hisense Arena in Melbourne was surprisingly won by the Crocodiles. They controlled the game, and in the end should have won by more than four points.
The victory for the Crocodiles cements their tag as ‘giant killers’. The most under strength, and youngest team in the league have only won four of their 12 games, however those wins have come against top four teams (the Perth Wildcats twice, United and the lowly Sydney Kings).
On the other end of the spectrum, the loss for United, as well as other ones to the Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers in the last few weeks, have started to put pressure on them at the top of the ladder. Despite the fact they still sit in first position with a 9-3 record, three losses in a row have begun to expose them.
The biggest thing in this match for the Crocodiles seems to be controlling the influence of Daniel Kickert, Majok Majok on the glass, and Chris Goulding in attack. If they can manage to do that, it will add pressure on to other United players who haven’t been producing of late.
For United, it is exactly that. Having others step up and take the pressure off the likes of Goulding. If he can have less pressure applied to him, he should be able to improve his own game.
Melbourne also need to find ways to score inside. Their reliance on outside shooting has been heavy, however at times the Crocodiles inside defence has been incredibly weak.
Prediction: While the Crocodiles have the never say die attitude, and have caused some monster upsets this season it is hard to see United losing again. While it should be a close game, you have to say Melbourne’s shooting and rebounding will get them over the line.
United by 5.
Join The Roar for live scores of what should be a fascinating match from 7:30pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to leave a comment in the section below if you’re following along.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde