36ers are ready for arch-rival Wildcats

Perth Wildcats will come to town desperate for a victory to get their season back on track this Saturday night in what looms as an early ‘must-win’ clash at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

The Wildcats dropped both their games last round, at home to Melbourne United and on the road against the Kings in Sydney, to slip to a 2-3 win-loss record.

Expect the Wildcats to be fired up. Not only to get back in the winners’ circle, but also to commemorate power forward Jesse Wagstaff, who plays his 450^th NBL game.

Wildcats head coach John Rillie said the Wildcats players understood the significance of the occasion and wanted to perform for their popular captain and teammate.

“I think we have a team that want to perform for Jesse Wagstaff on his 450th so everyone is well aware of it,” Rillie said.

THE KEY
Three-time NBL champion and three-time NBL MVP, just that resume alone makes Bryce Cotton the key in any game he plays in the league he has made his own.

Cotton has got back to his best in recent weeks after a slow start to the season, scoring 22 points in the Wildcats’ loss to Sydney last round and averaging 16 points and five assists per night this season.

The 182cm combo guard is a massive threat and has had some huge games on Brett Maher Court in the past and expect captain Mitch McCarron to get first crack at stopping the Wildcats’ main man.

Big man Keanu Pinder has also started to flex his muscle in Wildcats colours since his off-season move from the Cairns Taipans.

The 210cm centre is pouring in 14.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per night for the Wildcats and will be a constant problem at both ends of the floor for the 36ers.

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THE SECRET
Becoming just the second Perth Wildcat to reach 450 games is a milestone not lost on captain Jesse Wagstaff.

The six-time championship player is on the verge of joining the legendary Ricky Grace in the Wildcats’ exclusive 450 club, sitting on 449 games ahead of Saturday’s clash against Adelaide 36ers.

It’s been widely reported that Wagstaff has knocked back offers fro
m NBL rivals throughout his decorated career to stay a Wildcat and be a one-club player which makes this achievement all the more special.

"To play 450 games is exciting enough, but to play them with one club and to play them with an organisation such as the Wildcats, I consider it a privilege and a huge honour,” Wagstaff said.

Ricky Grace holds the Perth Wildcats games record with 482 appearences and Wagstaff said that mark could be within reach.

“We’ll see,” Wagstaff said.

 “My legs and body feel all right now, but ask me again in six months and it might be a different answer.”

DEPTH CHART
PG: T. Webster / Zunic / Russo-Nance
SG: Cotton / C Webster / Henshall
SF: Usher / H Harris / M Harris
PF: Doolittle / Wagstaff / Okwera
C: Pinder / Sarr / Andrew

THE FINAL WORD
To say both teams are desperate for a win in this game is an understatement.

Adelaide just simply have to win after falling to South East Melbourne on Thursday night on the ri home court.

Perth have spent the entire week on the practice court and will come to Adelaide fit and firing and how the 36ers respond on the second game of a double header will be the key to this game.

Cotton loves playing on Brett Maher Court and needs to be curtailed, by the Wildcats have a lot of different options and game winners, including the Webster brothers, Pinder and import duo Kristian Doolittle and Jordan Usher.

Adelaide head coach CJ Bruton has willed his team to show its DNA on Saturday night, and the 36ers have to go out prove to everyone what that DNA is.