Melbourne United won a defensive war of attrition, edging the Perth Wildcats 74-73 in a nail-biter on January 25, 2026. In a low-scoring classic between two title contenders, Melbourne made the final defensive stop to secure a one-point victory that could have major playoff implications. The game was a grind, with both teams executing their defensive schemes to near perfection, leading to a score in the 70s. The lead changed hands multiple times in the fourth quarter, with neither team able to gain more than a four-point advantage. The final sequence saw Perth with a chance to win, but Melbourne's defense forced a heavily contested miss at the buzzer. The win gave Melbourne a crucial head-to-head advantage and bragging rights in the rivalry. United's coach called it a "playoff-intensity" win, while the Wildcats' coach lamented missed opportunities on offense. The starting lineups featured the league's premier defenders in a tense, physical battle.