Big second half not enough to defeat Phoenix

Details
Perth Wildcats 80 defeated by South East Melbourne Phoenix 86
John Cain  Arena
Box Score
26 February 2022

Summary
The Perth Wildcats saw the return of Todd Blanchfield, but Luke Travers came into the game under an injury cloud. The visitors again had a slow start, giving up 45 first half points and finding themselves down double-figures at the main break. An impressive third quarter saw the deficit reduced to within striking distance for the Wildcats, and that trend continued in the fourth quarter. Bryce Cotton tied the game with minutes remaining, but the Phoenix, primarily through guard Kyle Adman, were able to make the clutch shots down the stretch to seal the win. Vic Law left the court late in the game with a leg injury but returned to the action. Mitch Norton wasn’t as fortunate and had to go to the locker room with medical staff after receiving a poke in the eye, and did not return.

Reaction
Scott Morrison reaction to slow start
“The players know what’s going on. They know these moral victories of good second halves and coming back from deficits aren’t helping us, so they’re going to collectively as a group and myself, have to do a better job for 40 minutes.”

Player focus
Vic Law was the Wildcats best with 22 points and nine rebounds. Matt Hodgson had his best game for Perth with 10 points and seven rebounds. Bryce Cotton had 15 second half points and Michael Frazier II provided punch off the bench with 10 points

Key stats and facts
The Wildcats proved they can stick with opponents on the glass, outrebounding the Phoenix 41-39, but three-point shooting was the telling statistic, going 25% from deep compared to their opponent’s 39%. 

Next game
The Perth Wildcats take on Tasmania on Monday.