Wildcats win Blitz opener against Cairns

Led by three-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton who hit a game-high 31 points including 22 in the first half, and fellow American Jordan Usher (19), the Wildcats held off a brave Taipans outfit to make it five wisns from six starts this pre-season.

Imposing man Keanu Pinder (eight points and eight rebounds) highlighted his importance, while Michael Harris was busy late with seven final-quarter points.

Facing up against his former team for the first time, Pinder took less than 15 seconds to score after outbodying his opponent.

It was the start of a massive first term for the Wildcats, taking a 15-point advantage into quarter-time after dropping 36 points which included eight different scorers.

Cairns hit back hard in the second and remarkably took the lead for the first time in the match three minutes before half-time.

It took a Cotton masterclass, amassing seven of his 22 first-half points in the last 76 seconds, to get the Wildcats back in front 53-49.

Versatile Frenchman Alex Sarr started to heat up at both ends of the court in the third, following up multiple blocks with an important triple on his way to 13 points for the match.

Usher also provided a couple of highlights in the form of a one-handed dunk - complete with motorbike celebration - and a corner three.

But the Taipans wouldn't go away and ended the quarter with a narrow 75-73 lead.

A four-point play from Michael Harris tied things up at 77-piece and the development player wasn't done with yet, hitting another three from the same corner shortly after as the Wildcats came home strongly.

Their next assignment is against Adelaide on Tuesday from 4.30pm WST.

The Wildcats' season opener is against Tasmania at RAC Arena on September 29 with tickets available via Ticketek.

Wildcats 102 (Cotton 31, Usher 19, Sarr 13, C. Webster 12) def Cairns 95 (Mayen 17)