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.
FIBA squads announced as Aussies assault with young talent
THE depth of Australia’s impressive young basketball talent was again on display yesterday, with squads announced for upcoming FIBA World Cup tournaments, which are set to take place next month. The final teams for the FIBA Under-18 Women’s Asia Cup in China and the FIBA Under-17 Men’s World Cup in Turkey were announced recently, with […]
Boomers squad packed to the rafters with talented list
WITH the 2024 Paris Olympic Games just a few months away, the Australian Boomers announced their initial 22-player squad for the basketball component of the world’s biggest sporting event. Australian basketball has been thriving over the past four years since the most recent Olympics, and the Boomers appear poised to deliver their most talented team […]
Aussies grab gold at Albert Schweitzer
SHOWCASING how strong its young talent stocks are, Australia defeated Serbia by five points in the Albert Schweitzer Tournament final to claim a gold medal in Germany over the weekend. The Albert Schweitzer Tournament highlights the best young basketball talent each country has to offer, and takes place in Mannheim Germany every two years, with […]
Opals announce Olympic squad for Paris Games
EARLIER today, the Australian Opals announced their extended squad for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which are set to kick off on July 26. The Opals recently cemented their spot at the Games after producing a dominant campaign at the Olympic Qualifiers. The tournament was capped off with an emphatic 85-52 win over Germany […]
Tall order for Boomers as Olympic groupings released
THE 2024 Pairs Olympics are getting closer, as evidenced by the recent announcement of the groups in the Men’s Basketball competition, with the Australian Boomers set to face off against some National Basketball Association (NBA) superstars. The Boomers were placed into Group A, in what is being touted as the ‘group of death’, named after […]
Bobongie building confidence through opportunities
AFTER excelling through the Queensland pathway and ranks, Monique Bobongie is determined to continue her love for the game of basketball. Bobongie says she found her passion for the sport at a young age, after seeing family members hit the court. “Basketball first came to me when I was about seven years old, watching my […]
Boomers blitz Asia qualifying window with big win
THERE could not have been a more perfect way to conclude the Australian Boomers’ 2024 FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window on Sunday night, defeating Indonesia in dominant fashion to make it a two-game winning streak. Following their comeback victory against Korea last week, the pressure was on the Boomers to carry the momentum from the […]
Boomers best Korea in Bendigo
DESPITE an early scare from the visitors, the Australian Boomers emerged victorious in their clash against Korea in the 2024 FIBA Asia Qualifiers at Red Energy Arena on Thursday night. The visitors led for nearly 30 minutes of the match, and took a two-point lead into the final term, before the Boomers stormed home in […]
PODCAST | Got Next Season 2, Episode 14
A BUMPER episode of the Got Next Podcast has dropped after another massive week in Australian basketball. From the Opals achieving success at the Olympic Qualifiers, to an enthralling penultimate round of NBL action, there is a lot to digest. Join Host Michael Alvaro and Basketball Analyst Liam Badkin as they run you through how […]
