Overview
- Former United center Marcus Lee hit the go-ahead free throw with seven seconds left before Milton Doyle missed a potential winner at Red Energy Arena.
- Cairns shot 61.5 percent despite 16 turnovers, while Melbourne dominated the offensive glass 17-3 and took 27 more shots but lacked efficiency.
- Jack McVeigh and Sam Waardenburg scored 20 points each, Andrew Andrews added 13 points and 13 assists, and Chris Goulding paced United with a season-high 27.
- Admiral Schofield was ejected after consecutive technicals, and coach Adam Forde also received a technical during a fiery third quarter.
- Cairns snapped a four-game skid to climb off the bottom as Melbourne fell to 15-9 with seven losses in nine since the FIBA break and now turn to an away test against the fourth-placed Sydney Kings, with hope that injured guard Shea Ili can return before the playoffs.