"Our time is now to shine': Bruton

Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton said his side must bounce back in what looms as the most crucial match this NBL24 season to date when Perth Wildcats visit Brett Maher Court on Saturday night.

The 36ers fell 102-85 to South East Melbourne Phoenix at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Thursday night and will be back on home court 48 hours later to entertain a fired-up Wildcats outfit.

Bruton said the focus turned to the Wildcats the moment the buzzer sounded on Thursday night and he knows just how important this game is in the make-up of the NBL24 campaign.

“We keep rolling, we keep digging deep and go back to the drawing board and prepare for Perth,” Bruton said.

READ MORE

• PINK SLAM game raises $32,000
• Phoenix fire past 36ers in DJ's debut
• Vasiljevic signs on for NBL24 campaign

“Playing at home in front of a big crowd, again it’s a rivalry game and we need to bounce back.

“The energy was down from our group, I want the energy high from the crowd and go out there and set the tone.”

Perth Wildcats will be looking to bounce back themselves, coming off two losses last round and also want to honour Jesse Wagstaff, who will play his 450^th NBL game.

Wildcats head coach John Rillie, who played 481 NBL games himself including a stint in Adelaide where he was part of the 1998 championship team, was full of praise for the Perth veteran.

“We’ve had a lot of great players through this organisation but as far as just a well-rounded and respected guy, he’d be at the top of the list I think,” Rillie said.

Rillie described the 37-year-old’s achievement as “unbelievable”, especially as a one-club player.

“We broke bread a little bit yesterday about that,” Rillie said.

“Reaching 450 itself is a great milestone but then to do it for one club, that’s the thing that people probably don’t give the credit to.

“He’s been here through ownership change, coaching change, teammate change and he survived so he’s doing something right which is a complement to him and his family.

“Good luck to him with it all because he deserves whatever he gets from this.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement from him.”

Adelaide will play host to the Wildcats on Saturday night at the Entertainment Centre from 7.30pm and you can see all the action live and exclusive on ESPN via Kayo Sports.