Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks: Saturday Preview

Game Details
Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks
5.00pm WST Saturday 22 January @ WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch LIVE on ESPN – available via Kayo or Foxtel

Context
The Perth Wildcats come into this game having lost their most-recent game to the Adelaide 36ers on Tuesday. That game represented the Wildcats first game in a month, and their first since COVID-19 infected the majority of the team. The game was lost in the first half, with the 36ers getting out to a big early lead. Scott Morrison identified his team’s starts as an area of concern.
The Wildcats go into the game with a 5-2 record, while Illawarra have won four of their six games. They currently sit second and third on the ladder.
This is the two sides first meeting of the 2021/22 season.

What Bryce Cotton had to say
“I think the most important thing for us is starting the first quarters a little better than we have in the past two or three games.
“I think our fitness is pretty good, but any time you have to go into isolation for seven days or longer, you’re naturally going to be a little bit more winded than normal, but it’s just your body getting used to being back to normal routine again. I think after the last game, it’s a better opportunity for us to get our wind back in actual game shape instead of practice, so we’ll see how we go the second time around.” – Bryce Cotton

Roster Availability 
Luke Travers returns to the lineup for this game. Corey Shervill is the only Wildcat unavailable through injury.

Opponents to watch out for
WA’s Duop Reath has been big for Illawarra so far this season. The Aussie Boomer is averaging 16.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. 2021 All-NBL First Teamer Tyler Harvey has averaged 15.8 points per game, while the Froling brothers have combined for over 14 rebounds per game.

Last time they met
The two sides last met in the 2021 semi-finals, with a depleted Wildcats side winning the series 2-1 to qualify for the Grand Final. Todd Blanchfield was the Wildcats top-scorer in the series.

Fun Facts and Stats
Bryce Cotton owns two of the top-three individual scores for Wildcats playing against Illawarra. He scored 45 in the 2017 Grand Final and 36 five months later.
Jesse Wagstaff has played against the Illawarra Hawks more than any other Wildcat. Saturday will be his 61st game against the Hawks.
Mitch Norton is 13 points away from 2,000 career points.

History
Perth and Adelaide have met 133 times in 40 years, with the Wildcats winning on 93 occasions. 
The Wildcats have won nine of their last 11 against the Hawks, including three of their last five at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

Milestones
Bryce Cotton will play his 150th NBL game. Since entering the league, no other player has scored more points than the three-time MVP.