1-1: Windler explodes for 27 in Wildcats epic comeback

• Dylan Windler led the scoring for Perth with 27, including 6-from-7 from three
• The Wildcats trailed by as much as 20 in the first half
• United guard Chris Goulding didn't score in the second half until 16 seconds left in the contest

Dylan Windler has saved his best performance of the season for when it mattered most, exploding for 27 points, as the Perth Wildcats completed a miracle comeback to beat Melbourne United 96-89 at RAC Arena and keep their season alive.

Windler was the only Wildcat who looked likely on the offensive end early in the second half after the home side trailed by 14 at halftime before a transition three-pointer from the former Los Angeles Laker late in the third gave him some confidence and Perth some life.

But it was a Windler and Wildcat avalanche in the fourth quarter, which led them to the memorable victory, dominating United 33-15 in the last period to shock Melbourne and send the series to a game three decider.

Earlier on, it was all United with Dean Vickerman's team putting on an absolute offensive clinic in the first quarter to race out to a 36-21 advantage at the first break as the Wildcats struggled to provide any resistance on the offensive end.

Matthew Dellavedova orchestrated everything for United, finishing the first half with eight assists, with everything working for the visitors and Perth couldn't find any answers. Chris Goulding was left open in transition, United's bigs rolled to the basket with ease for highlight dunks of lobs from Dellavedova and Shea Ili and the Wildcats' season looked dead and buried.

Perth's defensive intensity lifted in the third quarter, keeping United to just 19 points, but in front of a packed home crowd the Wildcats still couldn't find any rhythm on the offensive end to put scoreboard pressure on Melbourne until Windler took things upon himself.

He continued to dominate from the three-point line in the fourth quarter as the Wildcats quickly reduced the deficit to single figures and then five-time MVP, Bryce Cotton, gave Windler support, mostly through attacking the basket despite the constant pressure from Melbourne's guards. As Perth miraculously grabbed back the lead, United forward Jack White missed four crucial free-throws in a row to help the Wildcats build a six-point lead with just minutes left.

But back-to-back layups from Dellavedova and Ian Clark gave United a sniff but who else would it be to shut the door on Melbourne other than Windler, who scored a three-point play and celebrated with the Red Army to cap-off an impressive performance and keep the season alive for Perth.

Windler had 10 rebounds along with his 27 points while Cotton had 18 points, Kristian Doolittle had 17 points but Perth also received important contributions from Tai Webster (13 points) and Jesse Wagstaff (10 points) off the bench.

Five players scored in double figures for United with Goulding leading the way with 15.

Game three will be at John Cain Arena on Tuesday at 7.30pm AEST.