Wildcats end United streak in thriller

The Perth Wildcats have upset the previously undefeated Melbourne United 89-85 in their opening NBL Cup game at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena.

It was a second-half Bryce Cotton masterclass that did the damage for the Wildcats, including back-to-back clutch triples to seal the win.

After his team came up short in previous crunch time situations this season, Cotton said it felt great to get the result.

“It’s a team sport, and just the fact that we were in those close games and hadn’t come out on top in a few of them, means we know we’re right there and it’s just a matter of fixing some kinks as a team,” he said.

“Tonight for us to do that, especially against a team like Melbourne in their Arena. That was big time for us.”

After a quiet first half, by his standards, Cotton said keeping strong mentally was a factor in staying in the game.

He finisehd with a game-high 29 plus seven assists.

“I just wanted to make sure I continued to attack. I felt like last game I ws a little too passive in letting the game come to me,” he said.

“The more aggressive I was offensively, I felt it would create looks for my teammates and we were able to get those looks and we were knocking them down.”

Perth drained 13 threes at an impressive 46 per cent, despite missing sharp-shooter Clint Steindl through injury.

Coach Trevor Gleeson said the game was a step in the right direction for his team.

“It was the grit we showed out there. We came in focused and even when Melbourne wrestled back, we stayed the fight and made some good plays

“I loved the way we were playing, even at halftime when we’d made some soft turnovers, the level of play was great.”

Jesse Wagstaff was huge with four triples from five attempts for his 14 points, while John Mooney fell one rebound shy of a double-double to go with his 13 points.

The Wildcats are back in action on Tuesday, taking on last season’s Grand Final opponent the Sydney Kings.

Perth Wildcats 89 (Cotton 29, Wagstaff 14, Mooney 13)

Melbourne United 85 (Landale 20, Barlow 11, McDaniel 10)