Wildcats claim first pre-season dub

The Perth Wildcats have had their first win of the 2021 pre-season, defeating the Cairns Taipans 96-87 at Ulverstone in Tasmania.

After a closely contested, high-scoring first three-quarters, a dominant fourth quarter on both ends of the court saw the Wildcats open up the game-winning advantage.

Vic Law was outstanding, finishing with 28 points and 12 rebounds plus two blocks and two steals, while Bryce Cotton slapped home six threes for an efficient 22 points.

Fellow American Michael Frazier II also hit the scoreboard for the first time in a Wildcats jersey with eight points and three rebounds in just seven minutes of action.

Luke Travers led the team with five assists and his back-to-back three-pointers in the final quarter were critical for his team.

Majok Majok was once again instrumental inside with nine points and four rebounds.

Perth’s on-ball pressure was impressive, coming away with 11 steals and causing 20 Taipans turnovers to just eight of their own.

However, the Wildcats were convincingly beaten on the glass and also finished with six fewer dimes than their opponents in areas fans will expect to be a focus for new coach Scott Morrison.

Offensively, Perth attacked from beyond the arc, hoisting 41 three-point which, for context, would have been top-two all-time if it were a regular season matchup.

The Wildcats drained 16 of those with Cotton and Law combining for nine.

Perth are still without 2021 starters Mitch Norton and Todd Blanchfield, while Jack Purchase missed today’s game with soreness.

Their next pre-season matchup is on Wednesday against the Tasmania JackJumpers.