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After 25 attempts the Illawarra Hawks have finally recorded their first ever win in Perth, defeating the Wildcats 89-85 on Sunday night.
Final score
Perth Wildcats 85
Illawarra Hawks 89
Round 8 NBL action continues on Sunday night when the Perth Wildcats host the travelling Illawarra Hawks. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the game, starting from 7pm (AEDT).
Both teams head into Sunday’s game looking to gain some momentum, not only for their seasons but also in their head to head history. Perth took the win in Round 3 this year 80–73, however the Hawks got their revenge just one week later with an 81–76 victory.
Casey Prather poured in 24 points in the Wildcats win and then went shot for shot with Marvel Harris in the Round 4 loss. Prather scored 20 points while Harris starred for the Hawks with 27 points of his own.
Round 7 saw the Hawks face the New Zealand Breakers both at home and away. Losing the away leg 100–85, Illawarra regrouped to post a 109–78 demolishing of the visitors. Six Hawks scored in double figures in that game with Rotnei Clarke topping the list with 22 off the bench.
For Perth, Round 7 also saw a home win and a road loss against the Sydney Kings. In their 93 – 80 win, the Wildcats were again led by Prather with 28 as Brad Newley (34) and Kevin Lisch (21) were the only Kings players to score more than six points.
The return fixture saw the Kings triumphant 83 – 72. Newley and Lisch top scored again with 18 points each, while the Hawks struggled to put the ball in the ring highlighted by Prather’s 6/17 shooting night.
A win for Perth will see them close the gap to the Sydney Kings after the ladder leader’s shock loss to Melbourne United on Saturday night. On the other hand, if Illawarra can pull off the upset, they’ll jump into the top four in the constant shuffle that is the 2016-17 NBL ladder.
This game will be a battle! Facing Perth in their home arena is probably the hardest trip to make for teams on the east coast. The Hawks will look to spread the load and make the most of star Wildcat Damian Martin missing another game. Perth’s experience and home court advantage will prove the difference in the end and they’ll post their 7th win for the year.
Prediction
Perth Wildcats by 7 points.
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