Wildcats look to clinch finals berth in Cairns

The Perth Wildcats will look to book their ticket to the NBL Finals when it takes on the Cairns Taipans on Monday night at the Cairns Pop-Up Arena.

It’s the Wildcats first trip to Far North Queensland this season, and it represents the third game in Perth’s wild six games in 11 days stretch.

A win will take them to 22 for the season, and would lock in a 35^th consecutive Finals berth.

“We just want to get in to a good rhythm with each other,” said coach Trevor Gleeson.

“I was really happy with Todd, who was outstanding early (on Saturday), we were able to find him with the ball.

“Will has to intergrate to what we’re doing and that’s just going to be a process for the next month, he’s improving each game, and then you have your workhorses with Bryce and John.

“If I’m being picky we’ll look for more from the bench and hopefully we do that this month.”

Adding to the interest at the top-end of the ladder, Melbourne United were defeated by South East Melbourne on Sunday, meaning they’re only one loss clear of the Wildcats in the standings.

The Wildcats are coming off an impressive win over Brisbane and will look to take their form, particularly that of the final quarter, to Cairns.

The Taipans have lost their last three and have only managed seven wins in a difficult season.

Centre Cam Oliver has recently returned to the United States, making Scott Machado and Nate Jawai their major playmakers and scorers.

Bryce Cotton averages a team-high 24.1 against the Taipans this season.

Tip-off on Monday is at 5,30pm WA time on ESPN.