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Melbourne United remain undefeated in the NBL with a 9-0 record after beating the New Zealand Breakers in a dramatic and controversial finish.
REPORT: MELBOURNE WIN THRILLER
The Breakers were just one point up when two concurrent fowls saw first the Breakers then United have game-changing shots.
Alex Pledger sank one of his two free-throws to give the Breakers a two-point advantage, before Chris Goulding brought the game back to a tie at the other end.
With 9.2 seconds left on the clock United had possession and went forward, only for Stephen Holt to be fouled and have two free-throws to win the game with 1.1 seconds left.
Holt nailed the first shot and while he missed the second, United were able to control the ball before the buzzer and take the win.
Final score
Melbourne United 87
New Zealand Breakers 86
The New Zealand Breakers are hitting form, with star Corey Webster back showing his stuff, but they face the best team in the NBL, the 8-0 Melbourne United. Join The Roar from 3pm (AEDT) for live updates and commentary.
The Breakers have won all three games since Corey Webster’s return and he is averaging a dominant 25.7 points, four rebounds and two assists.
However they face a huge challenge when they come up against the undefeated Melbourne United, especially given that they’ll be doing it on Australian soil.
The Breakers had a 10-point win at home over Adelaide earlier in the week, but now face the toughest test in the NBL, coming up against United.
It’s the first time this season that the two teams have met, and United have recorded a win over every other side in the league.
United have gone 8-0 on the back of Chris Goulding, Damien Kickert and Todd Blanchfield and their ability to take the game by the scruff of the neck when challenged, hitting the big shots at key times.
Their most recent victory came earlier in the week against the Sydney Kings, an 11-point win on the road.
It was only the second time so far this season that they’ve played an away match, and today’s match against the Breakers will be their seventh home match for the season to date.
They’re the dominant force in the NBL right now but the Breakers look to be as likely a challenger as there could be from the pack below them on the table.
While they’ve only won four of their seven matches so far this season their recent record has been excellent and they’ll be priming themselves to make a real go of it.
It will be their first away win for the season if they can pull it off. Along with the Sydney Kings they’re one of only two sides in the league yet to win an away match.
Prediction
The Breakers will be pushed hard, but United’s ability to hit the big shots at crucial times will get them across the line.
United by 5 points.
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