Wildcats fire late to spoil DJ400 milestone

Perth Wildcats have spoiled the Daniel Johnson 400^th game milestone party with a 98-90 win at the Entertainment Centre on Friday night.

The Wildcats, fresh off their stunning 92-84 win against the Breakers in New Zealand last round, had trio Bryce Cotton, TaShawn Thomas and Corey Webster as a triple threat, combining for 76 points as Perth went on a match winning 9-0 in the final two minutes to secure the eight-point win.

Adelaide started a home game with confidence for the first time this season, attacking the hoop early and getting to the free throw line.

The 36ers started to make the extra pass in offense, leading to easy baskets and when captain Mitch McCarron found Sotto in transition for a layup, Adelaide led 16-10.

McCarron, with a team-high 20 points and 13 rebounds, started to find the scoreboard, with three early baskets as the 36ers dished 10 assists in the first 10 minutes and took a 25-20 lead into quarter time.

Perth roared back into the contest to start the second quarter, Thomas finding his groove inside the paint as the Wildcats took the lead at 30-29.

Adelaide’s offense began to stagnate as the 36ers started to get into foul trouble, Cotton started to find his shot from outside as Perth built a 37-32 lead.

The 36ers fought back, a Franks three-pointer gave Adelaide the lead 44-42, but Cotton showed why he is a three-time MVP with a triple on the buzzer at half time to give Perth a 49-46 lead at the main break. 

Webster was found in the corner to swish a three-pointer to give Perth their biggest lead of the match at 56-49, but Adelaide scored the next six points before Webster again connected on a tough jump shot.

Johnson hit a trademark three-pointer in transition to tie the game and when Cleveland found Robert Franks on the break, Adelaide had the lead back 60-58.

The game turned into an arm wrestle late as both teams traded the lead, Thomas and Cotton continued to tick the scoreboard over as the Wildcats took a 69-68 advantage into the final 10 minutes.

Cotton gave the Wildcats a 76-70 lead before Cleveland came to life, hitting consecutive baskets, but Webster continued to be tough, and Mitch Norton then hit a three-pointer for 81-75.

Cleveland continued his final quarter hot streak and captain McCarron tipped in a Franks miss for a 82-81 lead.

Drmic finished a fast break for 84-81, but Webster continued to be great, and Thomas again was tough inside to give Perth a one-point lead with just over two minutes remaining and the Wildcats were never headed.

PERTH WILDCATS 98 (Cotton 32, Thomas 22, Webster 22) def ADELAIDE 36ERS 90 (McCarron 20, Franks 19, Cleveland 13) at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

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