DrinkWise Preview: Round 13 – Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks

Game Details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks

When: 2:30pm WST Saturday 31 December

Where: WIN Entertainment Centre

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Context

The Perth Wildcats continue their road stretch with a match-up against Illawarra Hawks at WIN Entertainment Centre. Wildcats come into this game on the back of a loss to Brisbane Bullets on OT on Tuesday night and will look to bounce back and return to the winners list. Bottom-of-the ladder Hawks will be desperate for the win, with former Wildcat Michael Frazier II facing his former side for the first time since returning to the league.

Pre-game words

John Rillie on the match-up with Illawarra Hawks.

“There’s a lot of dynamic in this game,” he said.

“I always preach that it’s about how we approach the game more than anything.

“Our offence is not always going to be picture-perfect, and we will have another game where it seems like a bit of a struggle, so our defence really needs to be locked in.”

Roster Availability

Corey Shervill returns to the line-up to face the Hawks.

Opponents to watch out for

Despite his team’s woes, Sam Froling has been important for the Hawks, coming into this game off a game-high 19 points against the Tasmania JackJumpers.

Last time they met

The Perth Wildcats last faced Illawarra Hawks at RAC Arena back in October, winning 77-71. Mitch Norton and Luke Travers finished with 14 points each, while George King was Illawarra’s best, finishing with 25 points.