Rnd22 DrinkWise Game Preview: Wildcats vs 36ers NBL26

Friday night at RAC Arena has plenty riding on it. The Perth Wildcats are chasing a top four finish. The Adelaide 36ers are pushing for a top two spot. With finals approaching, this one carries genuine postseason intensity.

Adelaide arrive back in Perth after a bumpy few weeks, though back to back wins have steadied their momentum and history shows they rarely lack motivation against our Perth Wildcats.

These matchups consistently produce high level contests, with both sides often finding another gear when facing each other.

Perth’s previous meeting with the 36ers at RAC Arena offers a clear reference point. Despite the result, the Wildcats built a significant lead across three quarters.

It's a reminder of what the group looks like when execution and pressure are at the required level.

“You’re always reflecting, not just the negative, the positive,” John Rillie said.

“Let’s not forget we were up 21 points on them. We can’t lose perspective of that.”

That mindset has shaped Perth’s preparation this week, with a sharp focus on response and consistency.

“I’m more worried about us and how we play, especially after Sydney. How do we bounce back?” Rillie said.

Aside from last round’s performance against Sydney, the Wildcats have been one of the form teams of the competition, winning nine of their past eleven games to position themselves for a genuine NBL26 championship push.

Kristian Doolittle said the tone inside the group reflects the reality of the season’s closing stretch.

“These last stretch of games have been more of a playoff atmosphere in terms of our approach,” Doolittle said.

Rather than dwelling on last round, the Wildcats’ attention has quickly shifted to execution.

“It’s something to learn from, but we can’t dwell on it because we have another game,” Doolittle said.

Both sides will also be vying for the Cattalini Cup when they take the floor on Friday evening at RAC Arena.

The Cup itself is in honour of Martin Cattalini, who won NBL championships at both Perth and Adelaide during a distinguished 452 game career.

The MVP of the game will receive the Paul Rogers Medal as a tribute to the former Wildcats and 36ers big man.

Cattalini won championships with Perth in 1995 and 2009-10, and with Adelaide in 1998 and 1999. He also represented Australia at the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games.

With ladder positions on the line and the always fierce rivalry with the Adelaide 36ers, this one shapes as a test of consistency across four quarters for our mighty Perth Wildcats.

WILDCATS VS 36ERS
Venue: RAC Arena
Date: Friday, 20 February
Time: 6:30pm AWST
Tickets: HERE