DrinkWise game preview: Wildcats v JackJumpers - play-offs game three

The Wildcats and Tasmania JackJumpers are locked in a tense semi-final series, with the home team winning both clashes.

Perth took a 1-0 series lead at RAC Arena on Friday night before the JackJumpers squared things up after a come-from-behind victory at MyState Bank Arena on Monday night.

 “That’s play off basketball. That’s what the first two games have been. Game three – let’s go,” Wildcats head coach John Rillie said after his team’s 102-94 loss.

“The other night we made the plays. Tonight (Monday) they made the plays. I do think we got some good looks. We didn’t capitalise in those times. They did. It’s two great teams trying to fight their way to a grand final.”

Kristian Doolittle, who finished with 20 points and nine rebounds on Monday night in a big performance, said Perth needed to step up at RAC Arena on Wednesday with their season on the line.

“(Milton) Doyle found a rhythm and started hitting threes, and they were able to hit the toll and Magnay was able to draw fouls and make big free throws, (Jack) McVeigh stepped up when he needed to,” Doolittle said.

“(Majok) Deng, he came in and missed one shot so that was unexpected point production. Their season was on the line and they stepped up, and we have to be ready to do the same when we go back to Perth.”

The winner of the series faces Melbourne United or Illawarra in a five-of-series championship series.

United and Illawarra are also locked at 1-1 ahead of a deciding game at John Cain Arena in the first leg of a blockbuster semi-final double-header.

Game details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Tasmania JackJumpers

When: 6.30pm WST Wednesday 13 March

Where: RAC Arena

Watch: Live and Free on ESPN via Kayo

Last time they met

The Wildcats and JackJumpers have met five times this season, with the home team remarkably winning every time.

Perth prevailed 89-81 at RAC Arena on Friday night on the back of a dominant finals debut from Keanu Pinder before Tasmania got their revenge on Hobart on Monday night to square the series.

Four-time MVP Bryce Cotton returned to form for the Wildcats with a game-high 26 points, while Kristian Doolittle amassed 20 to go with nine rebounds.

Milton Doyle caught fire for Tassie with 24 points including 15 in the third quarter.

Doyle hit four of nine three-point attempts in a game-changing performance.

Tasmania will welcome back big man Marcus Lee from a one-match suspension in a boost to their hopes of victory.