NBL27 Indigenous Round 9 Game Preview | Wildcats vs Hawks

The Perth Wildcats will chase back-to-back home wins when they host the Illawarra Hawks for Indigenous Round at RAC Arena on Saturday night.

The two teams meet for the second time in a fortnight, with Perth looking to square the season series after Illawarra claimed a 105-98 win at RAC Arena on 31 October.

The Wildcats stayed in contention late in that contest, with the Hawks finishing strongly to secure the result. Both teams now return to The Jungle coming off wins, setting up another important matchup.

The Illawarra Hawks return to RAC Arena following a 120-110 Ignite Cup victory over South East Melbourne Phoenix on Wednesday, its third win from four games during a five-game road trip that finishes in Perth.

The Hawks scored 43 points in the second quarter and reached halftime with 71, demonstrating how quickly their offence can take control.

Kelan Martin led the way with 27 points off the bench, connecting on five of seven three-point attempts. Milton Doyle added 22 points and made six of seven from beyond the arc.

Containing that outside shooting will be important for the Wildcats, with pressure on the ball and contested shots giving Perth an opportunity to disrupt Illawarra’s rhythm.

Illawarra’s bench combined for 66 points against the Phoenix, making the contest between the teams’ rotations another area to watch on Saturday.

Perth’s bench delivered 37 points in Thursday’s 98-92 win over the second-placed Tasmania JackJumpers, with Brandon Knight making an immediate impact in his return from hamstring soreness.

Knight finished with 23 points and five assists in just under 21 minutes, giving the Wildcats another experienced scoring option and playmaker.

His ability to get into the paint and create for teammates adds another avenue for Perth to put pressure on Illawarra’s defence.

“Not necessarily making shots, but just putting pressure on the other team and getting guys involved and just doing whatever’s necessary,” Knight said of his approach.

Knight’s developing combination with Angus Brandt also gives Perth something to build on, with their communication during practice helping create opportunities around the basket.

“We’ve been talking about these things for weeks,” Knight said.

“Sometimes it takes a little bit to get to know one another where you guys can get comfortable, get some synergy.”

Brandt’s physical presence, alongside Jesse Wagstaff, will be valuable as the Wildcats compete for position inside and look to create extra possessions.

Head coach John Rillie believes the Wildcats’ defensive approach can help generate their best offensive basketball.

“Just the energy and the desire we played defensively. It’s amazing how then the offence just flows from there,” Rillie said after Thursday’s win.

Dylan Windler will look to build on his 21-point, 10-rebound performance as Perth takes on an in-form Hawks side, chasing a second win in three days to close out their home double-header.

The Round 9 matchup will celebrate Indigenous Round, with the Wildcats wearing uniforms designed by Noongar artist Bailey Wallam of The Westside Project.

The Indigenous range is available at catsgear.com.au, while stocks last.

Perth Wildcats v Illawarra Hawks. Saturday 14 November, RAC Arena. Tip-off at 6:30pm.