Clutch Goulding, United fend off rejuvenated Bullets

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Dean Vickerman has praised the efforts of unsung heroes Tanner Krebs and Kyle Bowen as Melbourne United bounced back from a thrashing at the hands of the Tasmania JackJumpers to fight-off a valiant Brisbane Bullets side with a 92-87 win at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

While veteran superstar Chris Goulding and Tyson Walker led the way in scoring, it was key plays from Krebs and Bowen - who stepped up with big import Jesse Edwards in foul trouble - which allowed United to overcome a fourth-quarter comeback from the Bullets.

"In massive moments, Tanner Krebs, Kyle Bowen's offensive board when we were four down to bring us back to level, an offensive rebound that kicks out to Tanner for a three ball, so some really positive things," Vickerman said in the post-game press conference.

He also said he was just relieved to come away with a win after United's struggles since the FIBA break, where they've slipped down to third on the ladder.

Vickerman was also pleased with the way his team responded to Brisbane's run early in the fourth as the home side us a 13-2 momentum swing to take the lead before Melbourne made several clutch plays, including a tough mid-range jump shot from Goulding to silence the raucous home crowd.

"It's not the prettiest fourth quarter offensively when you score 12 points and they had they had great momentum. They worked hard in the post, they got out in the break a little bit," he said.

"We just didn't get the starting spots well at the start of the fourth quarter to initiate the offense that we wanted to, so, lots to clean up in execution for us."

Bullets big man Tyrell Harrison had arguably his best game of the season with 23 points and 11 rebounds but interim coach Darryl McDonald would still like to see more from his starting centre.

"Ty was solid. I think he one of the best centres in the game, one of the best centres here and (we're) trying to again make him a focal point and go to him, we can't go to him all the time but go to him when we can get him around the rim," he said.

"Just need Tyrell to stop putting the ball on the floor. Like every time he puts it down, they're coming, and we had the problem with them last time we played them. Defensively they're real active, once you can get two feet in the paint and once you put the ball on the floor they like piranhas in there."

McDonald said he needed more from his group despite the improved effort.

"I'm not in the business of being happy that we came close, it's all about winning for me," he said.

Match Report

Melbourne United defeated Brisbane Bullets 92-87 at Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Chris Goulding's 19 points powered United's five-point victory.

Key Details

• Result: Melbourne United 92 def. Brisbane Bullets 87
• When: Friday, 27th December 2025
• Where: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
• Attendance: 4,299
• Standings: Melbourne United | Brisbane Bullets

By the Numbers

• Chris Goulding (Melbourne United) starred with 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals in 27 minutes.
• Tyrell Harrison (Brisbane Bullets) scored 23 points, and had 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal and three blocks in 29 minutes.

What Happened

Melbourne United established early control at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, taking a 28-26 lead after the opening quarter before extending their advantage with a dominant second period. The visitors outscored the Bullets 31-19 in the second quarter to build a 59-45 halftime lead, setting the foundation for their eventual victory. Brisbane responded in the third quarter, matching United's 21 points to stay within striking distance heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter proved decisive as Melbourne's experience showed in crunch time. Despite Brisbane's best efforts to mount a comeback, United managed the game effectively in the closing stages. The Bullets could only muster 16 points in the final quarter compared to United's 12, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit built earlier in the contest.

Chris Goulding led Melbourne's balanced offensive attack with an efficient 19-point performance, shooting 6-from-11 from the field including 3-from-6 from downtown. His veteran presence was complemented by Tyson Walker's 16 points and Kyle Bowen's outstanding double-double effort of 14 points and eight rebounds. Bowen was particularly effective, shooting an impressive 5-from-6 from the field including perfect 2-from-2 from beyond the arc.

For Brisbane, Tyrell Harrison delivered a dominant performance in the paint with 23 points and 11 rebounds, shooting an outstanding 10-from-15 from the field. Javon Freeman-Liberty added 21 points and seven boards, though his shooting efficiency of 7-from-18 reflected the Bullets' struggles to find consistent offensive rhythm throughout the contest. Terry Taylor contributed 15 points and six assists in a solid all-around effort.

Melbourne's superior shooting proved to be the difference, connecting on an impressive 51.61% of their field goal attempts compared to Brisbane's 43.42%. The visitors were particularly effective from three-point range, shooting 45.45% from downtown while holding the Bullets to just 25% from beyond the arc. United's ball movement was also superior, recording 22 assists compared to Brisbane's 24, while committing 16 turnovers to the home team's 14. This efficiency allowed Melbourne to control the tempo and secure their five-point victory on the road.