IN the second matchup of the week between these two sides, the Perth Wildcats trumped the G-League Ignite in another preseason matchup.
With the National Basketball League (NBL) set to kick off later this month, teams are looking to head into the season in strong form, and the Wildcats have been taking on one of the best young teams in the world. Ignite boasts a number of draft prospects, and got the job done when these sides locked horns last Wednesday.
However, the Wildcats enacted revenge on Saturday, snagging a 127-112 win at Dollar Loan Arena, showing plenty of promise ahead of the 2023/24 NBL season.
The Wildcats wasted no time in grabbing the early lead, producing a stellar first half of play, where they stunned Ignite with some magnificent work on both ends of the court. Star guard Bryce Cotton led from the front, sending an ominous warning to the rest of the competition as the Wildcats look to make their return to the finals.
By the time the main change rolled around, Cotton had registered 19 points, driving his side to 71 points for the half, getting Perth out to a commanding lead as well.
The G-League team got going in the second half, gradually improving as the game went on but Perth was able to keep its nose in front. It was an excellent showing from the Wildcats, who cruised home to a 15-point win as the NBL Blitz approaches.
Cotton added 21 points in the second half en route to a game-high total of 40 points on 12/19 shooting from the field. He was too much for the opposition to handle, stretching the floor with eight three-pointers on 10 attempts. The three-time NBL Champion was at his brilliant best, and looks set to drive his side up the standings once again, albeit with a bit more help this time.
NBL Next Star Alexandre Sarr backed up his strong showing from the first match with another eye-catching performance. He had 26 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a whopping six blocks, further indicating he will be an excitement machine on both ends of the floor. There is already plenty of NBA Draft buzz around him, and Saturday’s performance only pushed that further.
Perth recruit Jordan Usher once again indicated his intentions for a big year with another 24 points as he looks to play a key offensive role for the Wildcats.
The NBL Blitz kicks off this weekend, as sides face off in even more preseason matches.
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