Turnovers costly for Wildcats in Illawarra thriller

Uncharacteristic turnovers were the key factor in the Perth Wildcats heartbreaking 79-81 loss to the Illawarra Hawks in Wollongong.

The Wildcats are on track to have the lowest average turnover count in NBL history, with less than 10 per game, but gave it up 15 times on Tuesday night.

“I thought we were loose with the ball, the turnovers really hurt us,” said Trevor Gleeson.

“There was a number of plays in the second quarter, where we turned the ball over and gave them easy points. You can’t do that at home and the crowd gets involved, it’s a hostile environment, so I think we need to be smarter with the ball.”

It was a game of runs with multiple lead changes throughout the night.

On a night that saw him become the Wildcats second-most capped player in history, Jesse Wagstaff knocked down four fourth quarter treys to put his team in a strong position.

However, the Hawks were able to respond, taking a single possession lead with seconds remaining.

John Mooney almost capped off his 23^rd double-double of the season with a game-winning heave, but it wasn’t to be.

“I thought with how we played, to be that position to still have the last shot to win the game is a credit to our guys with how we’re playing and how we’re playing for each other and I’m excited moving forward.”

Clint Steindl top-scored for the Wildcats with 15 points on four made triples.

Gleeson revealed Mitch Norton had been battling illness, but it didn’t stop him getting a career-high nine dimes.

The Wildcats return home to face Melbourne United in a top-of-the-table clash on Friday.

Perth Wildcats 81 (Steindl 15, Mooney 14, Wagstaff 12)

Illawarra Hawks 79 (Harvey 27, Froling 14, Jessup 12)