NBL Cup success leaves Wildcats on prowl for more

The Perth Wildcats’ NBL Cup triumph could serve as merely an appetiser as they seek to secure a 35th consecutive Finals appearance.

The Perth Wildcats celebrate their NBL Cup victory

The Perth Wildcats celebrate their NBL Cup victory Source: Getty Images

Every game of the 2020-21 NBL season is LIVE, FREE and in HD via , with select games also live on SBS VICELAND.

Trevor Gleeson’s side ended their six-week stay in Melbourne with an incredible comeback victory over the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday night, having trailed by as much as 26 points.

Perth’s win was their seventh in eight games and has helped realign their post-season ambitions after a stuttering start to the season left them seventh on the ladder.

Wildcats guard Kevin White credited the club’s collective ambition and resolve for the run, calling their Cup campaign “an unbelievable step forward in helping us achieve that long-term goal of making the finals.”

“Teams respect and love the club, but they also hate us because we’re so successful,” he added.

“I think it’s just from the front office to the back office, everyone just takes care of their roles, everyone does their jobs and there’s no wavering off that.”

The Wildcats have made the Finals every season since 1987 and are aiming to win their third straight championship this time out – a feat last accomplished by the New Zealand Breakers between 2011-13.

Led by Bryce Cotton, who is averaging 25.23 points, 6.38 assists and 1.85 steals per game, the defending champions now sit second behind an out-of-form Melbourne United outfit and will look to continue their climb back on home soil this Friday night.

“It was a long time away. It’s good to be home,” captain Jesse Wagstaff said, as quoted by The West Australian.

“If you told us when we were going over that we’d come back in this position, I think we’d take it.

“We played some good basketball; we learnt a few things and spent some time together and that’s all you can really ask.”

The Wildcats’ clash against Cairns Taipans will be LIVE, FREE and in HD via SBS On Demand from 9:30pm (AEDT) on Friday, March 19.

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2 min read
Published 17 March 2021 3:42pm
By Jonathan Bernard


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