Win the mental battle

Gaze on United’s big test

Melbourne United has been the NBL’s best team all season, but must overcome its “mental” demons to beat the Illawarra Hawks and reach a fourth grand final series in seven years.

This is United’s harsh reality, according seven-time MVP Andrew Gaze, who says the league’s No.1 side faces a battle of the mind to defeat the Hawks.

On paper, and based on results, Melbourne has proven to be NBL’s benchmark.

However, it possesses one problematic weakness – free throw shooting. United is ranked last in the NBL from the penalty stripe, shooting just 69 per cent on the season.

It’s an issue that’s plagued Melbourne throughout the playoff series against Illawarra. United went 15-25 from the line in Game 1, but managed to hold on in overtime to defeat the Hawks.

Melbourne wasn’t so lucky in Sunday’s 113-108 overtime loss to Illawarra, with their 15-24 record from the line costing it in a tight tussle.

Gaze believes United remain favourites to beat the Hawks, but they can’t afford to let their free-throw struggles cost them down the stretch.

“It’s one of those things that can be contagious. The more you focus on it, sometimes it can play in your head,” Gaze told Code Sports about United’s battles from the free-throw line. “It’s not ideal, but it shouldn’t be the determining factor, although it was on the weekend in such a close game.

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“There isn’t much they (United) can do other than get more reps in and work more on the mind.”

Melbourne also faces the mental challenge of closing out a deciding playoff game at home – a feat it failed to achieve two seasons ago against Tasmania.

United went into the clash as the red hot favourites, but the JackJumpers stole the show to record a three-point win.

Melbourne’s team is now different, but Wednesday’s deciding playoff clash against Illawarra remains a franchisedefining game, Gaze said.

“Again, it’s more to do with the mind,” he said. “When you’ve had such a dominant regular season, the ability to close out can play on your mind. You see it in all sports. Look at tennis. You dominate the game and a player can struggle to serve it out.

“Usually, despite those pressures, the regular season form is a good indicator and you can work through any mental challenges.

“United go in as favourites, but there are a few head games that they have to get through.”

Gaze is leaning towards Perth beating Tasmania in the other playoff series decider.