Fast start leads to big homecoming win

The Perth Wildcats went into Friday’s 93-75 thumping of the Cairns Taipans with a goal to get off to a flying start.

They did that, and then some, jumping out to a 16-4 lead and never looking back, on the way to a season-high 31-point opening quarter.

“Yeah it was a little bit of a focus of ours, to start off with that, and set the tone early in the game,” said coach Trevor Gleeson.

“I thought we came out really well, the starting group were on top of what we were doing, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

“We had that first initial burst, and then we were able to back it up, so it was very pleasing.”

Perth have now had 30-point quarters in their last three games, and 55 halftime points was another season-high.

“When you have Blanchfield, Cotton and Steindl. They’re three of the best shooters in the League, and then you have Jesse and John shooting a good clip for the bigs, so when you have that firepower, you just make sure you’re getting quality shots,” said Gleeson.

“I was happy with the assist to made-baskets ratio. 23 assists out of 33 made-baskets. That’s pretty good.”

Bryce Cotton led the way again with 28 points, while John Mooney had 21 and eight boards, and Todd Blanchfield had 17 and five.

Role player Jarred Bairstow (seven rebounds) and young gun Luke Travers (five rebounds, two blocks) added spark.

Gleeson was also very impressed with Mitch Norton, who held elite passer Scott Machado to zero assists despite taking a heavy knock himself.

“He’s a soldier, he gets hit and keeps on going. What a great job defensively to hold Machado to no assists. He leads the league in assists. That kind of performance can go unnoticed.”

Friday’s game was the Wildcats first at home in seven weeks after returning from the NBL Cup in Melbourne.

They’re back at RAC Arena on Monday, taking on the Adelaide 36ers.

Perth Wildcats 93 (Cotton 28, Mooney 21, Blanchfield 17)

Cairns Taipans 75 (Machado 16, Noi 14, Jawai 13)