Wildcats' winning rehearsal
The Perth Wildcats continued their winning start to the pre-season with an 81-72 victory over the invitational Lightning All-Stars team at a packed Lakeside Recreation Centre last night.
The reigning NBL champions took to the court without injured import Kevin Lisch (groin), hard-nut Brad Robbins (rested) and Boomers guard Damian Martin, who is on international duty.
But new recruit Cameron Tovey (13 points, six assists) stepped up to fill the void in the back court, while Stephen Weigh (17 points) top-scored for the Wildcats in their second victory in as many games over the All-Stars.
Captain Shawn Redhage produced a typically workmanlike display with 15 points and 10 rebounds as one of five Wildcats to reach double figures on the scoreboard.
NBL rookie of the year Jesse Wagstaff (12 points) managed to play nearly 17 minutes despite a minor toe injury and Wildcats fans got a good look at development players Joel Wagner, Jarrad Balcombe and Greg Hire, who all showed promising signs.
NBA big man Anthony Tolliver played well again for the All-Stars with 15 points and six rebounds before fouling out late in the game.
But it was Lakeside SBL import Ben Beran (17 points) and Lisch's former St Louis University teammate Danny Brown (20) who had the biggest impact on the scoreboard for the All-Stars.
Wildcats coach Rob Beveridge said the series was providing valuable game time for his team less than two months out from the start of the NBL season.
"I'm really pleased because they've worked so hard in the off-season and they're in great physical shape," Beveridge said. "Now we've got to convert that into game time.
"They're definitely starting to gel and they play for each other."
Beveridge said Robbins was on a lighter schedule as he returns to full fitness from off-season hip surgery.
