Next Man Up Mentality

Perth Wildcats young gun Luke Travers has credited his teams “next man up” mentality following their do-or-die victory against the Illawarra Hawks on Saturday.

In an intense environment at Wollongong’ WIN Entertainment Centre, the Wildcats were able to level their semi-final series.

“It was awesome, I’ve never played in front of a crowd like that myself, so just to come out with that win, a gutsy win without Norto after going down in that second half. It was pretty good,” he said.

Travers was impressive, finishing with his first career double-double in a high-stakes contest.

“I always believe in myself that I can make some sort of contribution, but it was awesome to contribute to a win in such a big game,” he said.

“I think it’s just a next-man-up mentality for everyone… It’s everyone playing with that little bit of extra aggressiveness, going to the basket, coming off screens.”

The deciding game of the series will be played on Monday night at RAC Arena.

Tickets go on sale to the general public at 5pm Sunday 13 June.

The winner will take on either Melbourne United or South East Melbourne Phoenix in the Grand Final, with their semi-final series also going to a decider.