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23.11.2014 Sports News

NBL grand final: Perth Wildcats beat Adelaide 36ers in NBL but lose to Melbourne United

By Allsports.com.gh
NBL grand final: Perth Wildcats beat Adelaide 36ers in NBL but lose to Melbourne United
23.11.2014 LISTEN

Reigning champions Perth faced the 36ers for the first time since a victory in game three back in April secured their sixth NBL title, but Adelaide were unable to gain revenge in front of their own supporters on Friday.

Jermaine Beal led the way with 23 points and five assists, while Matthew Knight claimed nine rebounds in an 84-74 victory.

Captain Damian Martin also led by example, winning his personal battle with opposite number Adam Gibson to give the Wildcats the win on the road after they had raced into a 25-15 lead at the end of the first quarter.

"Adelaide Arena is a great place to play. The crowd's vocal, they get behind their team and it's a lot of fun to play here even as the opposition team," Martin told the NBL's official website.

"I enjoy coming here and obviously it's a healthy rivalry we've had with Adelaide for a long time now and it's no different this season."

The Wildcats were brought back down to earth in Melbourne two days later, though, as guards Jordan McRae (21 points) and Stephen Dennis (17 points) inspired United to a 91-76 victory at Hisense Arena.

New Zealand Breakers succeeded where Perth failed as they beat United 80-72 at Vector Arena on Friday to top the standings.

The Breakers led 52-35 at half-time and although the visitors mounted a second-half fightback, the damage had already been done with Corey Webster (25 points) playing a starring role for Dean Vickerman's men.

The game marked a disappointing return for United guard Daryl Corletto against his former team, with the two-time championship winner with the Breakers saying: "It was a frustrating game coming off a good game last week against Adelaide. To come out tonight and put out a first-half performance like we did was pretty disappointing."

Cairns sit third after responding to a 93-76 defeat at Sydney Kings on Thursday by beating Wollongong Hawks 69-65 on Saturday and the Hawks' miserable week ended with a 107-75 defeat at home to Townsville Crocodiles on Sunday.

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