NBL27 Round 2 Game Preview: Wildcats vs 36ers

One of the NBL’s most enduring rivalries returns to RAC Arena on Thursday night as the Perth Wildcats host the Adelaide 36ers, proudly supporting MSWA.

The Wildcats return to the The Jungle for the first of two home games in three days, beginning with another chapter in a rivalry that produced four hard-fought meetings last season.

Perth and Adelaide split the series at two wins apiece, with both teams recording wins at home and on the road.

The Wildcats opened the series with a 94-87 win in Adelaide before the 36ers responded with consecutive victories, including a one-point result at RAC Arena. Perth held Adelaide to 74 points in the final game of the NBL26 regular season, with a 12-point home win in their last encounter.

The Wildcats will look to build on several strong individual performances from their NBL27 season opener.

Kristian Doolittle shared game-high scoring honours with 25 points while adding seven assists and six rebounds. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. recorded 20 points and eight rebounds, while Elijah Pepper contributed 19 points and three assists.

Thursday night provides another opportunity for Perth’s group to strengthen its combinations and harness the energy of the Red Army at RAC Arena.

The latest chapter of the rivalry carries added intrigue, with Bryce Cotton playing game 300 and Trevor Gleeson returning to RAC Arena as an opposition coach for the first time.

Adelaide travels west after beginning their campaign with a narrow 97-95 victory over Melbourne United at John Cain Arena.

Isaac Humphries and Flynn Cameron have been ruled out for their Round 2 encounter with the Wildcats. John Jenkins III has trained strongly after missing Round 1 with a back complaint and will be a game-time decision.

The Wildcats have used the week to sharpen their execution and lean on their strengths for Thursday night’s clash with Adelaide.

Head coach John Rillie said the focus remained on the Wildcats’ continued improvement and producing their best basketball when it matters most.

“We’ve just got to keep getting better and moving forward, and at the right end of the season we need to be playing the right type of basketball,” Rillie said.

Wildcats forward Kristian Doolittle said the group had responded positively during the week and backed the Wildcats to deliver in front of the Red Army.

“We’ve had a good practice preparing for Adelaide,” Doolittle said.

“I fully believe the team we have right now is capable of winning every game we suit up for.

“It comes down to our execution and determination to get the job done.”

Key details

Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers
When: Thursday 24 September, 7:30pm AWST
Where: RAC Arena
Tickets: HERE

Game-day information