Basketball On The Internet.

THE NBL title race is back open again - presuming it ever wasn't - after Melbourne last night held off Illawarra 97-96 at The Cage.

Fans have been quick to jump on bandwagons this season but the harsh (and glorious) truth is, it is wide open.

When United was 9-0, I recall folks asking which team would they beat in the Finals?

Then it was Perth looking a cut above for a while.

Then New Zealand started resembling its championship self.

And most recently it has been Illawarra sweeping all before it.

Last night, if that bubble didn't fully burst, it certainly took a major squeeze as Chris Goulding's free throw with 4.6 seconds left gave Melbourne the lead it would keep.

Cody Ellis' last shot for the win was a bit too half-a$$ed to be money, and again we have a title race that is as fascinating as it is frustrating.

Speaking of frustrations, AJ Ogilvy on two fouls inside the first four minutes was a huge factor, especially when there was precious little in the first and only the customary Stephen Holt head-throwback in the second.

Once you are coming in-and-out of the game in foul trouble and having THAT game (we've all had them) your ability to be a factor is severely compromised.

Tim Coenraad also was missing from the Hawks' lineup - reports are he was buying a vowel - so I'm pretty sure there won't be too much angst in the Illawarra camp today.

While at Melbourne, the relief was palpable after it pulled off a big W in one of the season's growing list of "best game of the year".

Tonight: I've selected Adelaide to beat New Zealand in New Zealand, which is a roughie, although their season series does stand at 1-1 with the 36ers still +9 on points. But at $4 for a Sixers win, that's a value gamble. Just make sure youre gambling responsibly!

Then in Cairns, the Taipans have shown themselves to be vulnerable when backing up a big win and the Crocs have some face to save after their NYE home humiliation to the Hawks. Again, picking visiting teams is a huge risk this season but that's why it's called "gambling".

Last Night: MELBOURNE UNITED 97 (Goulding 27, Warrick 20, Kickert 17, Holt 14; Blanchfield 8 rebs; Holt 6 assts) d ILLAWARRA HAWKS 96 (Lisch 21, Penney 20, Ellis, Forman 13; Penney, Lisch 5 rebs; Lisch 5 assts) at The Cage, State Netball and Hockey Centre.