Instant Classic! #CG43 free throw clinches series

• Chris Goulding hit a game-winning free throw for United with just 0.8 seconds on the clock
• Ian Clark and Goulding combined for 68 points while Bryce Cotton and Kristian Doolittle combined for 70
• 32 three-pointers were made between the two teams in game three

Chris Goulding's clutch free throw in the last second has helped Melbourne United overcome the Perth Wildcats 113-112 (Game Centre) at John Cain Arena in a Game 3 series deciding thriller against the Perth Wildcats in one of the greatest games in NBL playoff history.

The stars came out to play with seasons and championship aspirations on the line. Goulding hitting nine three-pointers, teammate Ian Clarke put up a career-high 38 points, five-time MVP Bryce Cotton scored 33 and fellow Wildcat Kristian Doolittle also dominating with 37 points.

In one of the most scintillating shooting games fans will ever see in the NBL, both teams combined for 32 made threes as United and Perth fans were biting their nails to see who would progress.

It was the visiting Wildcats who looked as though they had brought their confidence from their giant comeback in game two as they jumped out to an early lead in the decider with Keanu Pinder getting things started before Cotton hit a transition three to find his touch in the first quarter, where Perth finished the opening period ith a 37-26 lead.

Much like the first game of the series, it was Clark and Goulding, who grabbed back the momentum for United as both capitalised on some defensive mistakes from the Wildcats, who struggled at times to locate shooters. But as the pair found their form, both started to hit tough shots from beyond the arc as they won the second quarter 32-25 to go into the main break only down by four.

However, there were troubling signs for Melbourne, who had previously kept Cotton quiet but he showed why he is regarded as one of the best players in the history of the NBL, having 22 points at halftime.

Clark and Goulding continued to dominate on the offensive end for United in the third while Matthew Dellavedova provided some much-needed physicality on Cotton as the home side went into three-quarter time with an 87-84 advantage.

Doolittle kept the game alive for the Wildcats, taking advantage of mismatches inside the paint, hitting his trademark mid-range jumpers and connecting on several big-time threes as Perth launched a comeback late in the fourth quarter and even gained a three-point lead late in the term before Goulding responded with a tough shot over Dylan Windler to tie things up.

A goaltending on a Ben Henschell layup attempt was missed by the officials and that cost the Wildcats as Melbourne built a late five-point lead before Cotton answered with a tough floater over multiple defenders and then veteran Jesse Wagstaff connected on a three with just two seconds remaining to level the scores in the contest, which looked destined for overtime.

But as they have done so often, United coach Dean Vickerman drew up the perfect play from a sideline out-of-bounds opportunity as Dellavedova found Goulding on a back cut, where he was fouled by Henschell and sent to the foul line. Perth challenged the call but it was unsuccessful.

Goulding made the first free throw and missed the second on purpose as United survived with a one-point win and now have a chance to go one step further than last season and win their third NBL championship.

They will face the winner of tomorrow night's game three semi-finals clash between Illawarra and South East Melbourne (Game Centre).

As for the Wildcats, it could be the last time we see Cotton in the NBL and if it was, what a spectacle to say farewell.