DrinkWise Game Preview: Wildcats vs United Rnd11 NBL26

The Perth Wildcats return to RAC Arena on Thursday night with an immediate opportunity to measure their growth as they face ladder leaders Melbourne United for the second time in as many rounds.

The matchup comes straight after the FIBA Break and a fortnight since United’s 98-87 win over the Wildcats in Melbourne, which ended their three game winning streak heading into the break.

Wildcats Head Coach John Rillie made it clear that this is the type of fixture that reveals where a team truly stands.

“They are the flagship program right now, the deserving number one team. Anytime you get a chance to play them, you really see where you are at,” Rillie said. “In our last performance over there, you could see we are just not at that level consistently enough.”

The timing of the rematch suits Perth, with a full week of preparation between meetings across the break.

“We are looking for gradual improvement as a group. Facing Melbourne back to back with the break in between really shows where we are at around the halfway point of the season,” Rillie said.

“We played them at their place. Now we get them at RAC Arena. Let's see what the last couple of weeks have done for us and whether we are inching toward becoming one of the upper echelon teams.”

Melbourne’s recent form in Perth has been impressive, with 10 wins from their previous 12 trips, adding further weight to the occasion. 

Forward Kristian Doolittle said the quick turnaround from the Round 10 loss suits him perfectly.

“It is quicker to get my revenge. I hate losing so it wouldn't matter who it was. If they had beaten me, I would want to play them again,” Doolittle said.

From the Melbourne side, Tyson Walker outlined their focus areas.

“Just being able to guard their players one on one. They have really talented guys. Making sure we are rebounding and taking care of the ball,” Walker said.

Chris Goulding continues to be a major factor for United which the Wildcats will be wary of, even without a high scoring line in Round 10, he remains the most prolific visiting scorer in the history of RAC Arena.

Perth come into RAC Arena knowing they had won four of their previous five before the loss in Melbourne and return home with purpose and an opportunity to even the score.

Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United
Tip off: 6:30pm AWST, Thursday 4 December
Venue: RAC Arena, Perth
TICKETS HERE