Wildcats win low-scoring game
The Perth Wildcats bounced back from last week’s uncharacteristic loss with an ugly but effective nine-point win over Melbourne United at Perth Arena this afternoon.
Unlikely hero Mathiang Muo provided the turning point for the Cats, producing an 11-point second quarter which gave them the buffer required to run out 68-59 winners.
Jermaine Beal (14 points) was also influential, with DeAndre Daniels providing some spark despite being pushed out of the starting five for the first time this season.
It wasn’t a perfect performance from the Wildcats, but coach Trevor Gleeson said it was a promising response to their uncharacteristic 22-point loss to Townsville last week.
“I think it’s a work in progress,” he said.
“It was good to win a game comfortably when you don’t play well.”
The Wildcats started the game in solid fashion, hitting the opening two shots from beyond the three-point line.
But despite losing veteran Mark Worthington to an elbow infection in the lead-up, United were able to stay in touch on the scoreboard through the early stages.
It was Muo’s influence in the second term which finally broke the deadlock in the Wildcats’ favour.
The win takes the Wildcats’ record to 4-2, with a chance to avenge last week’s heavy loss when they face Townsville at Perth Arena on Friday.
“I thought we stepped ahead today defensively and offensively, even though the scoreboard didn’t show it, we played pretty well,” Gleeson said.
“Next week is a different kettle of fish.”
Sydney import Josh Childress - banned after his dust-up against the Wildcats - has returned to the NBL in style, helping the Kings to a pair of strong victories across round five.
After making light work of Wollongong with an 82-53 road win, the Kings backed up to defeat Adelaide 107-100 to steady their season record at 3-3.
The talented American was handed a one-match ban for a brutal flying elbow against Wildcat Jesse Wagstaff two weeks ago.
While the ban shocked with its leniency, Childress was back with a bang this weekend.
Childress’ 13 rebounds and 18 points against the Hawks was impressive but the 203 centimetre former NBA player stood tallest when the 36ers’ game was in the balance.
Deadlocked 54-all at half-time, the Kings surged with an unanswered 10-point run, earning a break they never gave up.
Childress was instrumental with 10 third-quarter points and finished with 36 points and 19 rebounds.
For Kings coach Damian Cotter, the performances repaid his team’s faith and support.
“Josh was challenged and responded. I can’t speak highly enough of him,” he said.
“Nobody in the group has ever doubted Josh, we’ve always believed in him ... he wasn’t just good today he was brilliant.”
Cotter said the second-half showing wasn’t the result of a “magic pixie dust or anything like that”.
“It was just consistent play and some strategic adjustments,” he said.
“It’s good to get the results that put us back in the mix.”
NZ Breakers are also enjoyed a maximum return from a sunshine swing of northern Queensland, victorious over the previously unbeaten Taipans 79-71 and Townsville 87-80.
On Friday, powerhouse Breaker Ekene Ibekwe dominated the Taipans, with 20 points and 14 rebounds.
Two days later, guard Thomas Abercrombie’s shooting form - making 13 of 14 shots for 19 points - proved crucial in edging the Crocodiles.
Breakers boss Dean Vickerman hailed Ibekwe’s form around the basket.
“Our big men were great ... we had great rim protection all night, especially from “E” (Ibekwe),” he said.
The Breakers’ pair of victories improved their record to 6-3, behind only Cairns with their imposing 6-1 start to the season.
