NBL 2022: Superior hustle from Perth Wildcats generates pre-season victory on South West soil

The Perth Wildcats recorded a determined 98-87 win over the Adelaide 36ers in their NBL club pre-season contest at the Eaton Recreation Centre on Friday night. In front of a sell-out crowd, the home side were in control for the majority of the clash, with hustle and off-ball intangibles the hallmark of their triumph. The Wildcats had the better of the opening exchanges, with a solid commitment to the inside shooting component of their offence. Aside from TaShawn Thomas’ willingness to create in the paint, the offensive hustle of both Bryce Cotton and Luke Travers also caught the eye. The visitors struggled from beyond the arc early, going 1/9 in the first quarter. Trailing by six points at the first change, the 36ers worked their way back into the game and led at the half, with classy import Antonius Cleveland working feverishly under the offensive glass — generating multiple trips to the free-throw line in the process. Determined to give the passionate crowd a show to talk about in coming days, the Wildcats constructed a 14-5 offensive run early in the third term, which was punctuated by silky three-pointers to Thomas and Todd Blanchfield. This gave the home side a 12-point cushion heading into the final quarter — which they were able to preserve until the final whistle. Meanwhile at the NBL1 national finals in Melbourne, the Rockingham Flames opened their campaign in style defeating South Adelaide 87-71, with skipper Ryan Godfrey top scoring with 26 points. Check out Tuesday’s Bunbury Herald for a full recap of Friday night’s game between the Wildcats and 36ers. KEEPER STATS Field goals (Wildcats 23/38, 36ers 21/33); three point attempts(Wildcats 11/26, 36ers 7/35); free-throw attempts (Wildcats 19/29, 36ers 24/29) total rebounds(36ers 45-32 Wildcats); assists(Wildcats 21-19 36ers); steals(Wildcats 11-4 36ers); turnovers(36ers 17-13 Wildcats).