THE WILDCATS and Lynx both secured vital wins overnight as they each press claims to finish second on the respective NBL and WNBL ladders.

Bryce Cotton, as he has done so many times this season, starred for one final time in the regular season, scoring 49 points and knocking down nine threes. The Adelaide 36ers had scoring power themselves but were completely unable to hinder the MVP favourite’s shooting form, as he got to his spots at will and converted. Cotton finished the season averaging a career high 28.6 points per game as he did all he could to lead the Wildcats above the play-in tournament.

Keanu Pinder, amidst his best stretch of the season since re-entering the starting lineup, posted another double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Kristian Doolittle’s fine run of form also extended as he flirted with a triple-double with 14 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Dylan Windler nailed three of his six attempts from downtown on his way to 15 points, while grabbing 12 boards and swiping 2 steals. 

Perth appears to have settled on a rotation heading into the finals series, which includes Tai Webster being the focal point off the bench, a role that in a short span he as acclimated to very well. He added nine points in 15 minutes against Adelaide.

The 36ers were boosted by another marvellous performance from the likely second placed MVP candidate Kendric Davis, who scored 34 points and dished out eight dimes. Montrezl Harrell scored 24 points to go with six rebounds and Lat Mayen added 13 points. Dejan Vasiljevic scored 16 points but with almost all of their production coming from their starters once again, Adelaide were left just too short of contributors. 

The Wildcats have not typically shot the ball overly well this season, but went at 50 per cent from deep in this one, and outrebounded the 36ers by nine. Adelaide also shot the ball well, but were unable to capitalise on 17 points from turnovers as they gave up plenty of second chance opportunities.

Perth has done all it can to finish second and now relies on Melbourne United going down to the SEM Phoenix by a significant margin. The likelihood is that they will finish third and host a final at home, however due to scheduling issues it appears likely that RAC Arena will not be the venue. Adelaide clings to sixth spot for the time-being, Tasmania needing a mammoth victory to overtake them.

In the WNBL, it was the Lynx who comfortably took care of business, beating Geelong United by 18 points. The Lynx shot the ball better from the field and the free throw line, outrebounded Geelong by a whopping 19, and scored 38 points in the paint in a dominant display. 

Jazmin Shelley led the way for Geelong with 25 points and six assists, but their contributors were few and far between. Alex Sharp added 16 points and six rebounds, while Hannah Hank and Gemma Potter combined for 22 points and six steals. 

For the home side, it was Miela Sowah who continued her phenomenal scoring season, posting 22 points to go with five assists and four rebounds. Steph Gorman had a breakout performance on the eve of the final round, scoring 19 points and knocking down five threes, whilst ripping down nine boards as well.

Alex Wilson stuffed the stat sheet once again, adding 15 points, seven assists and four rebounds, while Laeticia Amihere put up 14 points and six rebounds. Anneli Maley continues to grab rebounds for fun, hauling in 14 of them.

Heading into the final round second spot is up for grabs between the Townsville Fire (who plays two games in Round 16), and Perth. The two sides, as if scripted, will play off in the last regular season game of the year next Sunday, in what could be an all-time blockbuster to decide the final positions.