2 weeks Ago By Justin Chadwick
Melbourne United have locked down second spot on the NBL ladder after overcoming a scare to post a 103-93 win over rivals South East Melbourne. United entered Saturday night's sellout match at John Cain Arena knowing they would be guaranteed to finish second - as long as they didn't lose by 23 points or more. Things were looking dicey when they trailed by 12 points early in the third quarter.
But a 12-0 run got Melbourne back on even terms and into a safe zone, and they pushed ahead from there to secure victory. Second spot means Melbourne United (19-10) are now safely through to the semi-finals, instead of having to feature in a play-in match. For the fourth-placed Phoenix (16-13), they now face a testing trip to Perth to take on the in-form Wildcats in a third versus fourth "seeding qualifier'' on Tuesday night.
The winner of that match goes through to the semi-finals, with the loser to face either Adelaide or Sydney in a cut-throat "play-in'' game. The Kings host Adelaide on Thursday night for the "play-in qualifier'', with the loser of that match eliminated. Melbourne, who were again without Jack White (back), had plenty of contributors against the Phoenix.
Shea Ili scored 18 points, while Kyle Bowen (15 points, seven rebounds), Tanner Krebs (16 points) and Matthew Dellavedova (14 points, six assists) also chipped in. Ben Ayre top-scored for Phoenix with 15 points, while Matt Hurt (14 points, seven rebounds) was also important. United led 30-26 following a high-scoring opening term, and the margin extended to six points early in the second quarter before the Phoenix hit their groove.
South East Melbourne nailed some big shots as they opened up a 63-51 advantage in the third quarter. But with the likes of Bowen, Dellavedova and Ili all working hard, United turned the tables, dominating the rest of the match to run out easy winners. Chris Goulding (12 points) also hit a crucial late three-pointer to ensure there would be no late Phoenix fightback.
Krebs ended the night 4-of-5 from the perimeter in an excellent shooting display..
