Perth Wildcats extend record-breaking NBL finals streak

The Perth Wildcats will feature in the NBL finals series for the 31st straight year.

Casey Prather of the Wildcats drives to the basket against Melbourne United.

Perth Wildcats will play in their 31st consecutive NBL finals series, setting up a semi-finals date with Cairns after a dramatic 96-94 win over Melbourne United in the last game of the regular season yesterday

Guard Casey Prather recorded 26 points and 11 assists in the victory to maintain the Wildcats’ long postseason streak, eliminating the New Zealand Breakers in the process.

The Wildcats and Taipans recorded two wins in a thrilling final round to qualify. In the other semi-final, minor premiers Adelaide will face fourth- placed Illawarra in the best-of-three series after conceding four successive losses.

Cairns, Perth and the Hawks each finished two wins behind Adelaide at 15-13, however the Taipans claimed second spot with a 5-3 series record between the three teams.

“It feels bloody good,” Perth coach Trevor Gleeson said.

“It’s been a good challenge for us to go through all our adversaries with our injuries, charges and change of imports.

“But we’ve booked a ticket in the big dance and we’re ready to go.

“Full credit to Melbourne, they played their hearts out.

“It was a tremendous effort by us coming down here.”

Bryce Cotton made a pair of free-throws with three seconds remaining to ice the game for Perth while Matty Knight and Jameel McKay each recorded double-digit points and rebounds.

Melbourne imports Josh Boone and Casper Ware each finished with 27 points while Chris Goulding made six three- pointers in his 21-point haul.

Melbourne coach Dean Demopoulos felt his side put their best foot forward against the Wildcats but just fell short in their final match of the season.

“Our hats off to them,” said Demopoulos. “We congratulate all the teams that made it to the playoffs and we are deeply disappointed that we did not.”

Looking to finish the season in style, Goulding opened the match with a triple and hit three-of-four for the term, and Josh Boone’s tip-in at the buzzer gave the home side a 29-21 lead after one quarter.

But the Wildcats responded with consecutive baskets to start the second term and cut Melbourne’s lead to one point at the main break.

Goulding had 15 first-half points while Boone bagged 14 points and eight boards.

Ware found his range after halftime as he reeled off seven straight points for Melbourne but Perth steadied with Matty Knight putting the visitors ahead from the free throw line midway through the third quarter.

Perth took a 69-65 lead into the final quarter then made the decisive break with a Jesse Wagstaff triple and McKay’s strong dunk giving them a nine-point lead.

Ware, Goulding and David Andersen hit from long range late to keep Melbourne in the fight but Perth made their foul shots to seal victory.

AAP