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DrinkWise game preview - Round 8: Perth Wildcats v Brisbane Bullets

17 Nov
2 mins read

Written By

Jordan McArdle

Perth will have a point to prove against Brisbane at Nissan Arena on Saturday after what head coach John Rillie described as an embarrassing loss last time the two sides met.

The Wildcats haven’t lost a game since the injury-hit Bullets stunned them at RAC Arena last month in the height of a four-game losing run.

Brisbane led by as much as 20 points that night before winning 84-79 as the Wildcats slumped to 2-5.

Rillie said it was important not to get caught up in their current four-game winning streak, the longest current streak of any NBL club, ahead of another big test.

“We need to keep getting better. We’ve got another opportunity on Saturday against a team that came here and embarrassed us,” Rillie said after his team's win over Cairns at RAC Arena on Thursday night.

“I want our team to continue to play the way we have been. Our first half – if we let Brisbane get nine offensive rebounds and we turn it over eight times, they’ll hurt us.

“It’s really going to be how we come out and approach the game – not getting lost in the results of winning four in a row. We need to go there with a workmanlike attitude, hit the road and get another road win.”

Former NBA big man Aron Baynes didn’t feature last time around but will be a massive addition for the Bullets, with top draft prospect Alex Sarr likely to spend plenty of time on him.

Sarr scored 12 points, won three rebounds, had two steals and two blocks against the Taipans to continue his eye-catching season.

“All over the NBL there is a lot of physicality. It helps me to grow in my game,” Sarr said ahead of his Baynes battle.

Superstar Bryce Cotton has returned to his brilliant best in the past four games, hitting 20-plus points in each of them including a season-high 37 against New Zealand last week.

Game Details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Brisbane Bullets

When: 5pm WST Saturday 18 November

Where: Nissan Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Opposition watch

The Bullets have won three of their last five matches to sit on a 5-6 record.

Brisbane will still be without hamstrung guard Shannon Scott but have welcomed back several stars since they last beat the Wildcats.

Last time they met

Brisbane survive a late scare to prevail 84-79 over the Wildcats at RAC Arena last month to stun the Red Army.

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