Melbourne United Triumphs Over Illawarra Hawks in NBL Grand Final Series Opener
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Melbourne United Stuns Illawarra Hawks in NBL Grand Final Opener with Second-Half Comeback
Melbourne United secured a thrilling 96-88 victory over the Illawarra Hawks in Game 1 of the NBL grand final series. Late-game heroics from Chris Goulding and Matthew Dellavedova sealed the win.
Goulding and Dellavedova struggled early but caught fire in the fourth quarter. Each sank two crucial three-pointers as United outscored Illawarra 32-21 in the final term. The Hawks led 53-43 at halftime, but Melbourne took control in the second half.
Dellavedova finished with 18 points, while Goulding’s late surge took his total to 15. Marcus Lee added 14 points and 15 rebounds. Shea Ili and Ian Clark contributed 13 points each.
Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman expressed full confidence in Goulding’s ability to step up.
“You know he’s going to find a way,” Vickerman said. “Even if he’s not scoring, he’s creating opportunities for others. He’s only focused on winning.”
For Illawarra, Sam Froling (16 points), Todd Blanchfield (13), Will Hickey (14), and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (11) were the only players to reach double figures.
The grand final series continues with Game 2 in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
