Perth Wildcats have produced a exceptional ultimate quarter fightback to win their play-in sport in opposition to South East Melbourne as Bryce Cotton added one other chapter to his superb historical past.
The Wildcats’ season appeared over once they trailed by 13 factors firstly of the third quarter however Cotton scored 20 factors within the ultimate interval, the crew produced 41 they usually gained 106-99.
Having had a taking pictures shocker on Sunday, Cotton struggled to get into the sport, had solely six factors at three-quarter time, then ran amok when it mattered.
Perth will now play the loser of the sport between Cairns and Tasmania.
In a exceptional contest, Perth began properly, opening up an early 8-2 lead as Brady Manek shortly hit two three-pointers. But the Phoenix then scored 13 unanswered factors.
Cotton’s taking pictures issues from the final sport in opposition to Sydney continued as he made solely one among his eight makes an attempt within the first interval.
Luke Travers limped from the courtroom within the first 5 minutes with an ankle damage however returned earlier than quarter time after getting it re-taped.
South East Melbourne took a four-point lead into the primary break and Gary Browne and Alan Williams loomed as massive threats.
Manek continued his very good taking pictures within the second quarter and had 5 three-pointers amongst 19 factors because the Wildcats took the lead.
But rebounding was once more a problem for the Wildcats. Williams went to half-time having already registered a double-double with 12 factors and 11 rebounds. The Phoenix led the rebounding depend 27-19 and 13 of these have been offensive boards.
The Wildcats weren’t helped by TaShawn Thomas, Jesse Wagstaff and Travers having two fouls every, however having Cotton scoreless for the quarter was additionally a extra urgent subject because the Phoenix led by 4 factors at half-time.
And then got here the quarter that ought to have price the Wildcats the sport.
South East Melbourne put their foot down within the third quarter, storming to a 13-point lead. Browne and Mitch Creek each had 17 factors with one quarter remaining and Cotton solely had six for Perth.
Manek lifted his tally to 24 factors and Corey Webster had 12, however the Phoenix had a transparent edge everywhere in the courtroom.
Then the momentum turned. Cotton hit a three-pointer, produced a steal and an help to arrange Luke Travers for a dunk and Perth lowered the deficit to eight factors. A Cotton floater adopted and all of a sudden it was solely six factors the distinction. Could they cost residence? Abso-cotton-lutely.
The little grasp nailed two extra three-pointers and arrange Thomas for a basket and the sport modified.
It took simply over 5 minutes for Perth to take the lead and the Phoenix couldn’t deal with the onslaught.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
