Tasmania too strong for Perth

Game details

Perth Wildcats 94 defeated by Tasmania JackJumpers 102

MyState Bank Arena

Box Score

29 January 2023

Summary

Following a big win on Friday night, it was a tough game to back up for the Wildcats, falling to Tasmania 94-102 at MyState Bank Arena. Wildcats started slow but managed to claw their way back in it to take the lead in the third but were unable to hold on against a storming Tasmania in the final term. There was a lot on the line in terms of where the Wildcats finish the season on the NBL, making their next two games must-wins to lock in a finals spot. TaShawn Thomas managed 19 points and 10 rebounds for Perth, while Milton Doyle finished with 21 points for Tasmania.

Reaction

John Rillie shares his thoughts post-game.

“Overall, our performance and our effort was high level,” he said.

“That felt like a really good playoff type of game and that’s what was on the line today.

“But the way we started that first quarter, not the tone we wanted to start the game with, I think they made six threes, so we did a great job fighting back and creating good momentum with the way that we played, but right now in the moment I would say just the way we started the game was disappointing.”

Player focus

TaShawn Thomas was important for the Wildcats, finishing with a team-high 19 points and team-high 10 rebounds.

Next game

Perth Wildcats return to Perth to take on Cairns Taipans on Friday 3 February at RAC Arena.