Chris Goulding's third-quarter explosion has propelled Melbourne United to a 99-84 NBL victory over the Brisbane Bullets at Nissan Arena on New Year's Day.
After scores were tied at 43-43 at halftime in Brisbane on Sunday, United outscored the Bullets 56-43 across the final two quarters, keeping their finals hopes alive.
Goulding and Rayjon Tucker were both quiet in the first half before exerting their influence after the main break, finishing with 20 points apiece.
Goulding put United in the box seat in the third period before Tucker piloted a 13-0 fourth-term run to terminate the Bullets' challenge.
With Boomers centre Aron Baynes sitting out the game due to a sore back, Gorjon Gak was promoted to Brisbane's starting five and responded with the best game of his NBL career (18 points, 13 rebounds).
Gak's first score, an uncontested dunk in transition, riled Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman, who called a time-out after 36 seconds of play and Melbourne responded to lead 22-20 at the first change.
Tyler Johnson scored on a strong drive on the quarter-time bell before earning a technical foul for dissent, arguing he was fouled in the process, which saw the second term start with Goulding shooting a free throw.
United's offensive rebounding was a constant concern for Brisbane but a 12-2 run from the hosts, capped by Jason Cadee's step-back three over Goulding, saw them take a 43-39 lead just before halftime.
After missing his first eight three-point attempts, Goulding suddenly got hot in the third, draining three treys in 70 seconds followed by a fourth as Melbourne moved ahead 72-64 at three-quarter-time.
Bullets bench sparkplug DJ Mitchell finished the third term strongly and started the fourth by throwing down a huge alley-oop slam as Brisbane closed the gap to two points before Tucker had the last say.
