Melbourne defence key to toppling Cotton-led Wildcats

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Melbourne defence key to toppling Cotton-led Wildcats

Chris Goulding’s hot hand could be a decisive factor in the NBL finals but Melbourne United’s veteran sharpshooter believes his team’s defence holds the key to beating the Perth Wildcats.

The familiar foes square off in a best-of-three Playoffs series, starting at John Cain Arena on Thursday night.

Melbourne hold the edge this season, winning all three meetings to date, highlighted by Goulding’s remarkable 46-point haul in the November clash.

Blunting Wildcats legend Bryce Cotton is a focal point for United, who held the five-time NBL MVP to just 14 points in their latest meeting.

Two-time defensive player of the year Shea Ili was due most of the credit, but Goulding said keeping Cotton quiet will require a team effort this time around.

“We have guys across the board that do things on the defensive end that are inspirational and it’s not just Shea,” Goulding said.

“Shea is certainly one of those guys who can spur us on and he makes everyone want to defend a little bit better.

“But Bryce has had a remarkable year and he’s pretty tough to slow down.”

Cotton averages a career-high 28.5 points per game this season, having scored 40 points or more six times, while Keanu Pinder (15.8) and Kristian Doolittle (14.2) are also capable of tearing games apart.

“They’re a potent scoring team and they’ve really leaned into their scoring ability,” Goulding said.

“They want to put points on the board and put them on quick.

“We feel like when we’re really good we’re one of the best, if not the best, defensive teams in the league.

“It’s going to be a clash on those ends – whether our defence can hold up against a really talented offensive team.”

As well as winning three straight against the Wildcats this season, Melbourne have been victorious on 10 of their last 11 trips to Perth.

United, who finished second on the ladder behind Illawarra, have earned home-court advantage for the Playoff series and will start favourites.

Goulding has enjoyed a long-running battle against the Wildcats since spending the 2008/09 season – his second in the NBL – with the WA club.

“They have a great fanbase and they always have big crowds, and as a player they’re the games that you want to play in,” the 36-year-old said.

“Even when they come to Melbourne, I feel like they’ve got a lot of fans here that come into the arena and make a bit of noise.

“They’re one of those clubs that you like to compete against. They always play really hard and they’re always good games.”

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