Perth Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson expects Melbourne United to pay import Jermaine Beal some extra attention

PERTH Wildcats import Jermaine Beal will be aiming to inflict more pain on Melbourne United during Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash at Hisense Arena.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 10: Jermaine Beal of the Wildcats looks on during the round 10 NBL match between the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United at Perth Arena on December 10, 2015 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

PERTH Wildcats import Jermaine Beal will be aiming to inflict more pain on Melbourne United during Sunday’s top-of-the-table NBL clash at Hisense Arena.

Beal played the game of his life earlier this month, hitting 10 three pointers on the way to a 40-point haul in his side’s 113-83 mauling of United.

The 28-year-old American will be heavily targeted in Sunday’s re-match, and Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson is urging his team to play smart in order to give Beal some open shots.

“He hurt them last time. He normally plays pretty well in Melbourne too,” Gleeson said.

“I expect them to trap and be really aggressive after him.

“We’ve just got to play smart and make sure we move him the ball. Hopefully we can still get him free.” United remain in second spot despite enduring a horror run of form over the past month.

Since starting their season with nine straight wins, United have lost six of their past eight games.

Perth sit two wins clear on top of the table, but they are also aiming to rebound after suffering a shock 75-58 loss to the lowly Crocodiles last week.

Jermaine Beal of the Wildcats looks on during the round 10 NBL match against Melbourne United this month. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Beal scored just six points in the loss to the Crocodiles, with only three Wildcats players hitting double figures in that game. Star Wildcats import Casey Prather missed that match because of an ongoing ankle issue, but Gleeson is hopeful he’ll suit up against Melbourne.

Gleeson has rostered his team to train on Christmas Day in preparation for Sunday’s match, and he’s making no apologies for it as he attempts to land the club Championship No.7.

“I have to be a little bit of a Christmas Scrooge,” Gleeson said.

“But you’ve got to pay a price. We’re trying to win a Championship, and that’s our focus.”

Originally published as Perth Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson expects Melbourne United to pay import Jermaine Beal some extra attention