DrinkWise game preview - Round 9: Wildcats v Bullets
Written By
Jordan McArdle
The Wildcats come into the game with plenty of momentum after a big win over South-East Melbourne Phoenix in Friday night’s Pink Game at RAC Arena.
And in what’s been a rare luxury for coach John Rillie, he’s got a full roster for back-to-back games after the successful return of superstar Bryce Cotton against the Phoenix.
Rillie was proud of his team’s fightback on Friday night after a slow start, conceding the first 10 points of the contest before piling on a season-high 40 in the second term.
The victory takes the team's win-loss record to 6-6.
"Any time you get a win like that on your home floor it's good," Rillie said.
"The way that we clawed back and had that 12-point quarter defensively (third), that really set the tone for the rest of the game I felt."
It’s been a packed schedule for the Wildcats heading into the break, with double-headers three weekends in a row.
The previous two away games resulted in losses to SEM Phoenix and Melbourne United respectively and haven't won the second leg of a double-header this season.
“Our approach has to be the same,” Rillie said about trying to replicate his successful home results on the road.
“I think it’s about our dedication once we get to the game and we throw up the ball. Our mindset to start the game - we need to have a nice edge to ourselves so we’re not playing catch up.”
Game details
Who: Perth Wildcats vs Brisbane Bullets
When: 1.30pm WST Sunday 17 November
Where: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel
Opposition watch
The Bullets are currently ninth on the NBL ladder with a 3-6 record.
Like the Wildcats, Brisbane also played on Friday night but went down to Tasmania.
Import Keandre Cook has been in excellent form, coming off 23 points and five steals against the JackJumpers.
This will be the Bullets' first double-header weekend of the season.
Last time they met
The Wildcats and Bullets are yet to face off in NBL25.
Their last meeting was back in January at RAC Arena, when Perth prevailed 118-96 in a dominant result.
Bryce Cotton was the star of the show that day with a game-high 28 points to go with seven assists, while Hyrum Harris racked up 11 boards.