Almansa shines in Wildcats' road loss to United

The Wildcats looked well on their way for a sixth win in NBL25 before a Chris Goulding-inspired United turned the game on its head in the second half to prevail 106-97.

Almansa started for the first time since joining the Wildcats and made the most of it on the way to career-high numbers in points (19) and rebounds (sevens) to go with two blocks.

Kristian Doolittle continued his strong form with a team-high 21 points to go with five assists and four rebounds.

Big man Keanu Pinder (14 points and 10 rebounds) came off the bench for a double-double, while young gun Ben Henshall (15 points and two steals) finished the game strongly and shot three of three from outside the arc.

But the night will always be remember for Goulding’s heroics, with the United veteran amassing a staggering 46 points including 25 during a third-quarter blitz.

Almansa had his first dunk within three minutes before an assist to Doolittle, a couple of mid-range floaters and a triple by midway through the opening term to be the first player into double digits and looked full of confidence.

The Wildcats’ defensive intensity was up early, forcing several United ball-handling mistakes, while their offensive was also looking strong led by tall trio Almansa, Doolittle and Pinder.

But, after a 10-run, United stormed back late in the term to turn a nine-point margin to 31-29 lead by quarter-time.

Perth’s outside shooting went up a notch in the second with Almansa, Todd Withers and Pinder all hitting important three as the momentum swung back in the visitors’ favour.

It was Doolittle’s turn to dominate in the paint as he imposed himself on the content, amassing an 11-point term to be up to 17 for the half, equal to Almansa.

Doolittle even flexed and blew kisses to the vocal United crowd after an and-one as the Wildcats went to half-time with a strong 65-51 lead.

Melbourne turned the game on its head in the third thanks to their star shooter Chris Goulding’s hot hand.

Goulding had a remarkable 25 points for the quarter to give the hosts an 83-77 buffer at three-quarter time.

Dylan Windler’s aggression on the glass was evident as he looked to will his team back into the contest.

Withers then hit his second triple of the night to cut United’s lead in half.

Henshall and Doolittle also had their moments in the last but it was United who held on for victory.