Ignite Cup: Run to the Final (Round 16, NBL26)

The chances of Melbourne United qualifying for the NBL Ignite Cup Final took a big hit on Wednesday night, during their fixture with the Cairns Taipans.

The Snakes marked their fourth and final game of the mid-season tournament with their maiden victory, defeating United 93-92 in Bendigo, which moves them onto 6.5 points.

Starring in the triumph were Jack McVeigh and Sam Waardenburg, who both finished with 20 points, while guard Andrew Andrews tallied 13 points and 13 assists.

While already out of contention, this win by Adam Forde's side leaves Melbourne's hopes of making the Final on the Gold Coast on February 22 hanging by a thread.

Dean Vickerman's side currently sit on 8.5 points after three games and mathematically can still make the Final, but need a lot of results to go their way.

United will have to claim maximum points (seven) in their fourth and final game against Brisbane, while hoping that Adelaide and Perth lose their respective games to the Bullets and Phoenix.

Brisbane and South East Melbourne, who are both in the mix for a spot in the Final, both have two matches remaining in the competition, with Melbourne, New Zealand, Adelaide and Perth with one each.

Fans can now secure tickets for the Final that will be played at the Gold Coast Entertainment Centre on February 22, where one team will win $300,000 and the runner-up awarded $100,000.

It is the largest prize pool in NBL history.

Teams remaining: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, New Zealand, Perth, South East Melbourne.
Teams eliminated: Cairns, Illawarra, Sydney, Tasmania.

Just four games remain during the inaugural NBL Ignite Cup, including:

Melbourne United v Brisbane Bullets - Wednesday, January 21, 5.30pm AEDT - Red Energy Arena (Bendigo)
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v New Zealand Breakers - Wednesday, January 21, 7.30pm AEDT - State Basketball Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Brisbane Bullets v Adelaide 36ers - Wednesday, January 28, 7.30pm AEDT - Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Wednesday, January 28, 9.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre