Melbourne Tigers star Mustapha Farrakhan in action. Source: News Limited
A STUNNING final quarter burst from star Chris Goulding inspired the Melbourne Tigers to its third straight win at The Cage on Friday night.
With Europe offers believed to be looming, the shooting guard proved why the club must do whatever it takes to keep him as he terrorised Wollongong with 30 points in a masterful display.
Goulding scored 14 of his points in the final term to help turn a four-point deficit at three quarter-time into a 74-67 win in front of a sold out crowd.
"We dried up a little bit offensively (in the second half), so the coaches put the confidence in me to try and get the team going," Goulding said.
Lucas Walker attempts a lay up. Source: News Limited
"I was working hard for open shots and I was lucky enough to knock some of them down.
"I don't know - sometimes you get in one of those zones."
Goulding was well supported by forward Lucas Walker (nine points, 14 rebounds) and two-time Olympian Mark Worthington - who played the entire match for 11 boards in a strong defensive display.
"It sounds nice (three wins in a row), but it still doesn't feel like we're rolling," Tigers coach Chris Anstey said.
"We stuttered our way through the game offensively and broke down at times.
"Chris (Goulding) put us on his shoulders towards the end of the game and that's what he does.
"Some of the shots he hit - there's not many who can do that."
Wollongong Hawks star Rotnei Clarke dribbles. Source: News Limited
It was a slow start with both teams coming off a two-week break between games.
But it was the Tigers who fired first, thanks in part to the high energy and sharp shooting of Walker.
He had five points and four boards in the first seven minutes to help Melbourne to a six-point lead at quarter-time.
Melbourne settled for a seven-point lead at half-time, which would have been by more if not for a drop off in the dying stages of the half.
There was a scare for the Tigers early in the third term when Goulding hit the floor hard after a heavy collision with Rhys Martin.
Nate Tomlinson in action for Melbourne Tigers. Source: News Limited
The NBL's leading scorer shook it off, but the Tigers could not shake the determined Hawks.
Melbourne's points dried up as the Hawks took the lead for the first time mid-way through the third quarter to lead at the final change.
Enter Goulding.
Two big three pointers from the star in quick succession brought the crowd to its feet and gave Melbourne the lead with two minutes remaining.
A Nate Tomlinsion three-pointer then iced the game.
The two teams will meet again in Wollongong on New Year's Eve.
A Melbourne win would secure the all-important split over the Hawks, which could prove crucial come the end of the season.
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