NBL Play-offs: Perth Wildcats v SEM Phoenix, Kings v 36ers news, scores, latest
A fourth-quarter frenzy fueled by Keanu Pinder and NBL MVP Bryce Cotton has powered the Perth Wildcats past the Phoenix in the NBL’s seeding qualifier.
A fourth-quarter frenzy fueled by Keanu Pinder and NBL MVP Bryce Cotton has powered the Perth Wildcats past the Phoenix 122-105 in the NBL’s seeding qualifier.
Pinder missed just two shots from the field on his way to monster 25-point, 11-rebound double-double, stuffing the stat sheet with three assists, two blocks and a steal in an imposing performance.
Different venue, same result.
South East Melbourne Phoenix coach Josh King has openly struggled with a one-sided foul count when they have travelled to play the Perth Wildcats at RAC Arena this season.
Tuesday’s NBL Seeding Qualifier wasn’t at that venue, due to a schedule conflict with Kylie Minogue. But the Phoenix were again clumsy in that area in a 122-105 loss against the Wildcats.
The Phoenix gave Perth an incredible 42 foul shot attempts at Perth HPC, the home side making 39 of them.
In fairness, 27 of the Phoenix score came from the line too, in a bizarre contest.
The win sends the Wildcats to a Semi-Final series against Melbourne United after the FIBA break.
The Phoenix will host the Play-In Game on Sunday, against either the Sydney Kings or Adelaide 36ers.
MVP PLAYS 2IC
The box scores will show a decent night out for recently crowned five-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton.
He nailed 27 points, including three from long range, plus had six rebounds and four assists.
But he was pretty well held for most of the night by Owen Foxwell. Cotton scored seven points in the final quarter.
Keanu Pinder is the one who did the damage, continuing a rich run of form, with 35 points and 11 boards.
He added 16 of those points in the third quarter, when the Phoenix threatened to pull away.
Kristian Doolittle recorded another double double (20 points, 11 rebounds) despite being restricted to court time due to being in early foul trouble.
PLENTY OF SCORERS
In four previous games against Perth, the Phoenix had struggled to find regular scorers.
Only Nathan Sobey, in round 7 and Matt Hurt, in round 9, made it to 20 points (20 and 27 points respectively).
On Tuesday night, they had three.
Angus Glover, playing his 150th NBL game, was crucial early and finished with 25 points.
Matt Hurt added 24 and Sobey 22.
Angus Glover can’t miss 🔥
— NBL (@NBL) February 11, 2025
He has 15 points in the first quarter 😳
Watch live on ESPN 📺 pic.twitter.com/mvJyjvk1Dg
CLEAN UP YOUR DEFENCE
It was a high scoring first after an extraordinary second term.
Extraordinary because of the foul count and points scored from the free throw line.
The Phoenix led 67-62 at the main break. But they fouled 12 times in the second term, sending Perth to the line for 19 extra shots. They made 17 of them; 10 from the hand of Bryce Cotton.
Not that the Wildcats were much better. They fouled eight times, sending giving Phoenix players 13 free throws for the quarter. They made 10 of them.
So, 20 fouls, 27 free throws in one very long quarter.
QUARTER OF TWO HALVES
Perth led by 16 points early in the first term, but held just a one point advantage at the first break.
Early on, it looked like it was going to be tough night for the Phoenix. They lost their coach’s challenge in less than 20 seconds of the game starting – Josh King questioning an out of bounds call.
Keanu Pinder and the Perth Wildcats are cooking ♨ï¸
— NBL (@NBL) February 11, 2025
Watch live on ESPN 📺 pic.twitter.com/VJ2TOQCvuN
Perth burst out of the gates, leading 20-4 after about four minutes, with Pinder dropping 12 of those points.
Even his missed dunk popped into the air and fell down for two points.
Glover got the ball rolling for the Phoenix.
He led all scorers with 15 points at the end of the first term.
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