Wildcats fall short against JackJumpers

Details
Perth Wildcats 83 defeated by Tasmania JackJumpers 85
RAC Arena
Box Score
24 March 2022

Summary
The Perth Wildcats came into the game missing Mitch Norton and Michael Frazier II and got out to a disappointing start behind some impressive JackJumpers ball movement. The visitors got up by as much as 12 points in the second quarter, before a 17-2 run saw the Wildcats take the halftime lead. Tasmania reclaimed the lead in the third as the second half turned into an arm wrestle. Perth forced a six-minute JackJumpers drought in the final term to take the lead, but a pair of clutch shots from the visitors in the final minute gave them their first win over the Perth Wildcats.

Reaction
Scott Morrison on Tasmania’s toughness
“They showed good skill with their clutch shots at the end, but their effort one the game. They played harder, they cut harder, they guarded more physically, they destroyed us on the glass.”

Jesse Wagstaff on opponents’ effort levels
“Collectively as a group we have to realise teams are coming in here and playing for their lives. We have seven home games left and we’re at that point where guys are coming in and playing for contracts and every game’s a battle, as it should be.”

Player focus
Vic Law had his eighth double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Bryce Cotton connected on five threes for his 23 points, while Todd Blanchfield scored 19 points.

Key stats and facts
The Perth Wildcats were outrebounded 45-47.
The Wildcats shot the three-ball at 40.7 per cent for 11 makes.
The JackJumpers picked up 20 assists to Perth’s 15.

Next game
The Perth Wildcats take on Sydney on Saturday at RAC Arena.