DrinkWise game preview: Seeding qualifier - Wildcats v Phoenix

The winner of the third-versus-fourth battle earns direct entry into the semis, which commence after next week’s FIBA break, while the loser gets a second chance and hosting rights against the victor of Thursday’s do-or-die clash between Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers.

A scheduling clash at RAC Arena has meant the Wildcats will return to their former home of Perth HPC (formerly Challenge Stadium) for the first time since the epic game-two grand final victory over New Zealand Breakers, made famous by legendary ex-captain Shawn Redhage’s game-winning block.

Wildcats owner Mark Arena has called on the Red Army to make Perth HPC as loud and hostile as possible for the visiting Phoenix and pack out the 4,000-seat arena.

“We want it to be intense and intimidating for the opposition and we want to be able to hear a pin drop when our guys are shooting free throws. I hope everyone who is very lucky to get a ticket is really loud and super intimidating for South East Melbourne. Being a smaller venue, it is loud enough as it is, but we want to take it to the next level,” Arena said.

It will be the second time in less than a fortnight the Wildcats and Phoenix have faced off in Perth, with the home side winning by one point at RAC Arena on January 31 after being 12 points down in the final term.

The Wildcats are set to have a full roster for the fourth game in a row after the recent returns of import Dylan Windler and guard Tai Webster.

South East Melbourne will be sweating on the fitness of import Derrick Walton Jr who missed the end of the regular season with a high-grade hamstring injury.

Stay up to date with all the Wildcats’ post-season news via our finals hub.

The Wildcats will be hunting a fourth win on the trot after finishing the regular season with victories over the Phoenix, Kings and 36ers to take their record to 18-11.

Superstar Bryce Cotton has been leading the charge with a competition-high and career-best 28.6 points per game, including six 40-plus point hauls, to go with 4.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds.

But Windler, Keanu Pinder and Kristian Doolittle have all been consistent contributors around him.

Game details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs SEM Phoenix

When: 6.30pm WST Tuesday 11 February

Where: Perth HPC, Mt Claremont

Watch: Live on ESPN (via Kayo or Foxtel)

Opposition watch

The Phoenix finished the regular season in fourth spot with a 16-13 record, two wins behind the Wildcats.

It was an impressive back half of the season considering they were 0-5 at one stage before Josh King took the reins as head coach and turned things around.

Big man Matt Hurt’s dominant debut season in the NBL earned him a spot among the MVP finalists.

Hurt is averaging 20.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in NBL25.

The team is coming off a Throwdown loss to Melbourne United on Saturday night after leading by double digits in the third quarter.

Last time they met

The Wildcats and Phoenix faced off less than a fortnight ago in a thriller at RAC Arena.

Perth prevailed that night by a point in a stunning come-from-behind victory after trailing by double digits in the last term.

Superstar Bryce Cotton led the way with a game-high 29 points, with Kristian Doolittle putting in a monster performance with a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double.

Big man Keanu Pinder also chipped in for the Wildcats with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Matt Hurt and Jordan Hunter were the best for the Phoenix.

Perth have a 3-1 record against the Phoenix, with the home team winning all four games.