Wildcats share workload in Cairns win

The Perth Wildcats have defeated the Cairns Taipans in Far North Queensland 89-78, while resting some of its key players.

No Wildcat player played more than 30 minutes, while its bench players were given extra time to show what they can do.

The strategy paid off.

“We needed that input, it was really good, I think in the fourth, most of the bench guys were on," said Trevor Gleeson.

“I thought LT was really good, Kev was really good. It helps when you can call on all 11 to play.

“It was a tough game, I don’t think we played too well in the first half. I don’t think we’ve had a team that’s played zone against us like that for the whole half.

“It was a little different to our normal, and I was happy with the second half. We started to play a little bit better defence and not give them easy points.”

Bryce Cotton top-scored with 24 points, hitting four of five triples, while dishing out five dimes and coming away with three steals.

John Mooney had a sneaky double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Toff Blanchfield also added 11 points.

Luke Travers contributed nicely off the bench, with nine points and three rebounds.

The game was tight for the majority of the night, before the Wildcats broke away in the final five minutes.

The result secures another NBL Finals appearance for the Wildcats with six games remaining in the regular season.

The reigning champions now return to Brisbane to to face the Bullets on Wednesday.

Perth Wildcats 89 (Cotton 24, Mooney 11, Blanchfield 11)

Cairns Taipans 78 (Jawai 20, Machado 17, Krslovic 11)