Melbourne Tigers vs Perth Wildcats

Where and When: Saturday 6 February, State Netball and Hockey Centre, 7.30pm (local)

Past Five Games
Tigers: LWLWW
Wildcats: LLWLW

Past Three Head-to Head
Perth Wildcats 94-78 Melbourne Tigers, Round 17, 2009-10
Melbourne Tigers 100-86 Perth Wildcats, Round 17, 2009-10
Perth Wildcats 93-90 Melbourne Tigers, Round 5, 2009-10

Season Series
Melbourne Tigers 1-2 Perth Wildcats

Current Standings
Tigers 11-14 (6th), Wildcats 15-11 (2nd)

Melbourne has done well to move up the ladder in the second half of the season but still need to win its final three matches to have any chance of nabbing an unlikely play-offs berth.

Its first hurdle comes in the form of the Perth Wildcats who are always a challenging opponent. In Round 17 the Tigers and Wildcats clashed twice with both teams recording a win at home. 

Since then Al Westover's men have recorded a convincing win over Adelaide before being beaten 99-91 in overtime against the in-form Gold Coast.

In that game Julius Hodge top-scored with 26 points, Mark Worthington sent the game into the fifth period with a clutch bucket and finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds while Tom Greer (12 and nine) was the other major contributor.

Perth remains one of the championship favourites but appears vulnerable after losing consecutive road games.

On Friday night the Wildcats led by five points at half-time but eventually lost to the Gold Coast 86-73.

Captain Shawn Redhage top-scored with 13 points, Damian Martin was next best with 12 points and veteran Martin Cattalini added 11 points.

The 12-29 fourth quarter suggests the already tough road trip is taking its toll on Rob Beveridge's boys and they'll be desperate to get something out of their last stop-off in Melbourne. 

But the Tigers have had a week to fire-up for this clash and should be urgent enough to take advantage of the Wildcats.

Sportal Tip: Tigers by 11