Wildcats look to continue unbeaten run against Hawks

After kicking off their NBL Blitz campaign with a stunning come-from-behind victory over New Zealand on Sunday, the Wildcats have another massive test in the form of the Hawks.

Illawarra also won their first game of the Blitz, against South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday.

Bryce Cotton scored half of his 32 points in the last quarter against the Breakers, to go with back-to-back steals as the Wildcats overcame a 15-point deficit to prevail in a thriller.

But the four-time NBL MVP deflected the praise onto his teammates, especially the fourth-quarter line-up of Next Star Izan Almansa, Ben Henshall, Hyrum Harris, Kristian Doolittle and Elijah Pepper.

“The guys who came in after whoever started the fourth quarter, they’re the ones who set the tone and got the game back in reach,” Cotton said.

Watch the full highlights from our comeback win over the Breakers. 🌴

We're back on court this upcoming Tuesday to take on the Hawks, tune in from 5.30pm WST! pic.twitter.com/owqIysjI7q

— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) September 8, 2024

“Once we came back in, we wanted to pick up where they left off, but they did a tremendous job getting us back in the game.”

Former NBA star Dylan Windler made his debut Wildcats’ win on Sunday, showcasing his outside shooting and rebounding ability during his 13 minutes on court.

BC was full of praise for the fourth quarter line-up of Almansa, Henshall, H Harris, Doolittle and Pepper. 👏

Watch the full presser: https://t.co/F3md2yBiiy pic.twitter.com/NMC1Xwnlad

— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) September 8, 2024

But he will be a game-time decision ahead of the Hawks clash due to an ankle issue.

“It was just good to see him out there,” Cotton said.

“Obviously we’ve all got to get our wind going but he’s showed that he’s going to be ready for this league.

“He played defence and I can’t wait for when he’s knocking down all types of threes, I know it’s coming.

“I think he hit a deep one and that’s just one of many.”

Sharpshooter Tyler Harvey and the ever-improving Davo Hickey, who combined for 38 points on Sunday, are a couple of danger players for the Hawks.

Perth Wildcats v Illawarra Hawks

When: 5.30pm WST Tuesday 10 September

Where: Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre

Watch live on Kayo