NBL 2016: Melbourne United’s road win over Perth Wildcats to hold team in good stead come finals time

MELBOURNE United coach Dean Demopoulos had refused to mention the “P” world — until now.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 10: Stephen Holt of United drives into the key against Jarrod Kenny of the Wildcats during the round 10 NBL match between the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United at Perth Arena on December 10, 2015 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE United coach Dean Demopoulos had refused to mention the “P” world — until now.

Jubilant after his side’s big road win over Perth Wildcats on Friday night, Demopoulos — who has given little away publicly this season — was happy to acknowledge his side will play in the finals.

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“I believe we are in the playoffs now and I couldn’t be happier about that,” Demopoulos said.

Melbourne reclaimed top spot on the NBL ladder with an impressive 91-85 overtime win in front of 12,000 raucous fans at Perth Arena.

It also secured the all-important season split over Perth, which looms as crucial given the congestion at the top of the table.

United looked to be just holding on when Perth forced to the game into overtime with a late basket.

But it found a way to win, even with the in-form Hakim Warrick fouled out of the contest.

Demopoulos said he could not have been prouder of the performance.

“It’s a great tribute to these guys to come in here (Perth Arena) and have the game in their hands, then lose it and regain it again,” Demopoulos said.

“That will serve us well and it will be something that we can draw off of.

“It was a great ball game; it was probably the best basketball game that I’ve been involved in, in this country.

“It was a very unusual game for the way we normally play, and Perth never gives up and they’ve got an unbelievable organisation.”

United’s win was spearheaded by import guard Stephen Holt, who continues to improve as the season goes on.

Holt shot 33 points, including seven triples, and Perth coach Trevor Glesson admitted there was no way for his side to stop him.

“Holt was on fire and he was the difference between the two sides,” Glesson said.

“He came out on a mission and we had no answer for him.

“He got his eye in and once shooters like that get their eye in, it’s pretty hard to keep them quiet.”

Melbourne’s next game will be on the road against third-placed Illawarra on Thursday night.

It will then face New Zealand on the road before meeting the Breakers again, this time at Hisense Arena on February 14 in the final game of the home-and-away season.

Originally published as NBL 2016: Melbourne United’s road win over Perth Wildcats to hold team in good stead come finals time