Wildcats take 1-0 lead in play-off series against Tasmania

Big man Keanu Pinder starred in the Wildcats’ play-off return, hitting a career-best five three-pointers on the way to a game-high 25 points and seven rebounds.

Pinder scored a dozen of his points in the final term, despite getting fouled out before the end, to help the home side bounce back from six points down midway through.

Four-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton was held to 15 points but still had an impact in other ways under close attention, dishing off five assists and reeling in seven boards.

Jordan Usher (11 points) also reached double digits off the bench, popping up at important times.

At the other end, finals debutant Hyrum Harris, Alex Sarr, captain Jesse Wagstaff and Tai Webster all stepped up for game-defining defensive plays.

Sarr had the most blocked shots of the night with three, earning coach John Rillie’s praise for his rim-protecting ability.

Harris and Webster both won loose balls with their desperation and determination, while Wagstaff used every bit of his six-time championship-winning experience during his 18 minutes on the court.

It was a remarkable opening term with 19 fouls called all up as both teams spent plenty of time at the stripe.

The Wildcats got the jump on their opponents early, leading by as much as six on the back of brilliant outside shooting, before Tassie clawed their way back to tie things up at 22-apiece by quarter-time.

Usher provided a spark in the second term, coming off the bench and hitting mid-range shot after mid-range shot.

But the highlight of the quarter – and the match – was Pinder’s stunning one-handed jam on JackJumpers import Marcus Lee.

Pinder showed he’s no one-trick pony with an important triple a few minutes later.

Like Usher, three-time NBL champion Corey Webster did his bit off the bench before Frenchman Sarr’s dunk got the Red Army to their feet.

Sarr added to his ever-growing dunk reel with a stunning two-handed slam late in the third quarter to make it 58-all.

The Wildcats led 62-58 at the final change before back-to-back threes from Jack McVeigh snatched the lead back for the visitors.

It was the start of a 10-0 run from Tasmania who were all of a sudden out to lead biggest buffer of the match in six points.

Pinder knocked back his fourth triple of the evening to change the momentum and cut the deficit in half.

Tai Webster’s final three minutes were crucial, diving on a loose ball with 2:44 on the clock and to give the team – and himself – and massive lift.

With 40 seconds left, he then hit a corner three to extend the Wildcats’ lead to six and put the game to bed.