A TREMENDOUS performance in the second half saw Melbourne United overrun the Illawarra Hawks to take game one of the Championship Series in the National Basketball League (NBL) over the weekend.

Both sides advanced to the decisive series in three games, with United defeating the Perth Wildcats, while the Hawks got the better of the SEM Phoenix. Two of the NBL’s very best coaches were going head to head tactically, and with star power on both teams, it was shaping as an enthralling series.

Although the Hawks got out to a better start and looked on top for much of Saturday night’s contest at WIN Entertainment Centre, United lifted on both ends of the floor in the final 20 minutes of play to run out eight-point winners and get the head start in the best-of-five series.

Illawarra Hawks (88) def. by Melbourne United (96)

Both sides began the match putting an emphasis scoring the ball inside, with the likes of Sam Froling and Marcus Lee putting plenty of pressure on the rim. Both sides had crucial defensive matchups that were set to shape the contest, with Shea Ili tasked with shutting down the dangerous Tyler Harvey, while Wani Swaka Lo Buluk had his hands full with Ian Clark and Chris Goulding for much of the match.

The Hawks managed to sneak their noses in front in the first half, with Froling proving particularly influential in the first and second quarters. Veteran Todd Blanchfield and import Darius Days were both able to cash in from behind the arc, as Illawarra led by as many as 11 points, and took a 53-43 buffer into the main change.

However, United put the clamps on in the second half, restricting the Hawks to just 35 points in the second half and dragging themselves back into the contest as a result of excellent defensive pressure. Illawarra’s dangerous backcourt in Harvey and Trey Kell III simply could not get going, while Melbourne’s big names began to find their rhythm as the game rolled on.

Although he found himself in foul trouble in the first three quarters, Chris Goulding poured in 11 points in the final term to have his say in the result of the match, helping Melbourne continue its comeback and helping seal the win with some impressive shotmaking in crunch time.

Point guard Matthew Dellavedova led all comers on the scoring front with 18 points to go with his seven rebounds and two assists, always looking to play with pace and attack the basket going downhill. Goulding ended up finishing the contest with 15 points of his own, doing most of his damage down the stretch.

Big man Lee delivered his best performance of the season when it mattered most, posting a huge double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds on a perfect 7/7 shooting from the field. A constant lob threat, Lee was crucial in helping United gain ascendancy in the paint.

Froling was still impressive in the loss, finishing with a team-high 16 points and seven rebounds, while William Hickey (14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists) and Blanchfield (13 points, 3/7 3PT) both fought hard to try and keep their team in the contest.

Kell II and Harvey combined for just 15 points in an extremely quiet night for the star pair. The duo are considered the barometer for the Hawks, and will need to lift in the coming matches if Illawarra is to get back on a level playing field.

Game two will take place at John Cain Arena on Wednesday night.