United on first title mission

IT has had many hurdles to clear, but Melbourne United is “hungry” to create its own piece of history tonight by winning the club’s first NBL championship.

From injury problems to early-season soul-searching after the team, loaded with talent, slumped to a 5-5 record, United has ridden a wave of momentum to get to the grand final.

But with Casey Prather (illness) and Tai Wesley (shoulder) under clouds, United will need to draw on its great depth to edge an inspired Adelaide 36ers. So evenly matched are the combatants that the grand final could be decided by a wildcard.

United veteran David Andersen said the cutthroat nature of the game played in Melbourne’s favour.

“Everyone is pretty hungry … we want to play, we want to have our chance at getting redemption from the last game,” Andersen said.

“It’s a big opportunity. This is our house … everyone will be behind us and we’ll come out and do something special.”

Four-time Olympian Andersen, 37, a winner of 11 championships across the globe, has led United’s bench along with David Barlow, Craig Moller, Pete Hooley and Kyle Adnam.

“If I can get out there and help the guys, like I have been trying to do, and get us over the line, for me it’s all about winning this championship,” Andersen said.

“I want to be out there, I’m hungry for that.”

Adelaide’s second unit is just as damaging as United’s, with Majok Deng and Anthony Drmic able to score quickly and in bunches.