PERTH Wildcats secured their spot in the top two on Saturday, defeating the SEM Phoenix by 12 points at the State Basketball Centre in Melbourne.

Looking to bounce back following Perth’s loss against the Illawarra Hawks on Friday night, the Wildcats secured the season series over the Phoenix and now makes them the second team locked in for the 2023/24 NBL (National Basketball League) finals series.

Perth Wildcats (103) def. South East Melbourne Phoenix (91)

The Wildcats started the first quarter strongly, going on a 7-5 scoring run, dominating the opening term for points in the paint (11/14 at 79 per cent), compared to the Phoenix, (3 from 11 at 27 per cent). Perth headed into the quarter time break with a 12-point lead. The Wildcats crashed the boards on the defensive end, making their shots count under the basket offensively and forcing the Phoenix into turnovers.

Keanu Pinder, Alexandre Sarr and Bryce Cotton all combined for 32 points in the first half to give the Wildcats a 13-point lead at half-time. Tai Webster added some scoring punch, driving well in transition to the basket, whilst Hyrum Harris and Jesse Wagstaff also played a valued role.

Pinder, Cotton and Webster all continued to shoot the ball at a high volume in the second half, moving the ball well and giving some great passing options to others around on the court. Despite the Phoenix winning the third quarter, 23-20, the Wildcats maintained a 10-point lead at the final break.

The Wildcats finished the game strongly, winning the final quarter, 24-22, which resulted in a 103-91 win.

Pinder finished as the top scorer for the Wildcats with 23 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, shooting 9/13 from the field and 8/10 from two point range. Sarr was influential off the bench, producing 18 points, two rebounds, one assist and five blocks. Cotton was on song from the perimeter ending the match with 21 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals. Webster and Harris both finished with 11 points each, whilst Jordan Usher also had a role off the bench, finishing with 10 points.