Vasiljevic says 36ers keen to bounce back

Returning Adelaide 36ers captain DJ Vasiljevic said his side is ready to bounce back in Saturday night’s showdown against Perth Wildcats at the Entertainment Centre.

After going down 111-90 to Brisbane Bullets at home on Christmas Eve, Vasiljevic said his side is primed to make a statement.

“The mood wasn’t great (after the Bullets loss), everyone is over losing,” Vasiljevic told NBL Now.

“We have been giving up over 105 points per game, it’s not about tactics, it’s about pride on that end.

“We have to lock in defensively if we want to make a run.”

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Head coach Mike Wells said his side will look to make adjustments at the defensive end and was clear when asked how he spent his first Christmas in Adelaide.

“Watching Perth,” Wells said.

Vasiljevic returns after missing the past five matches with a hamstring issue, and the captain can’t wait to get back out on the court.

“I was sick of sitting there watching, I want to be out there,” Vasiljevic said.

“When I’m out there I can spread the floor, I’m a threat from the outside, which will open up some opportunities for my teammates.”

The 36ers captain said his side need to bounce back in front of what will be the 10^th straight home game sellout this season

“The effort, the energy, the rebounding, it all starts with us,” Vasiljevic said.

“We can’t let our offense dictate how the game goes, we got to lock up defensively.”

ADELAIDE 36ERS vs PERTH WILDCATS
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Saturday 7.30pm ACDT
Live on ESPN via Kayo Sports

OVERALL
Played 157, Adelaide 69, Perth 88

LIKELY STARTERS
36ers: Kendric Davis, Keanu Rasmussen, Lat Mayen, Montrezl Harrell, Isaac Humphries.
Wildcats: Ben Henshall, Bryce Cotton, Dylan Windler, David Okwera, Izan Almansa.

LAST FIVE MATCHES
Dec 8, 2024 – Wildcats 115 def 36ers 105 at AEC
Dec 28, 2023 – Wildcats 100 def 36ers 82 at AEC
Nov 4, 2023 – Wildcats 99 def 36ers 88 at RAC Arena
Oct 21, 2023 – 36ers 89 def Wildcats 78 at AEC
Oct 6, 2023 – Wildcats 82 def 36ers 75 at RAC Arena 

STATS THAT MATTER
- Adelaide has won 11 of its last 14 games at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
- The 36ers rank 1st in the league for free throws made per game this season (17.7).
- Kendric Davis has scored 20+ points in five consecutive appearances - longest active streak of any player in the league.
- Montrezl Harrell is one of only two qualified players ranked top 10 in the league for both points (19.6) and rebounds (8.9) per game this season.
- Jarell Martin has a career average of 2.4 three-pointers made per game against Perth - most against any opponent.
- Kendric Davis ranks 1st for assists per game (7.3) this season.
- Montrezl Harrell ranks 1st for points in the paint per game (12.6) this season.
- Isaac Humphries is one of only two qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game this season.