Wildcats wipe floor with Hawks

THE Perth Wildcats have continued their unbeaten start to the new NBL season with a dominant 101-61 win over the Illawarra Hawks at Perth Arena.

After beating the Adelaide 36ers by eight on Thursday night, the victory over the Hawks yesterday leaves the Cats the only side with a 2-0 start after an action-packed opening round.

Perth took early control and were never challenged by the Hawks. Coach Trevor Gleeson was able to use his bench extensively but newcomer Terrico White was still able to knock down 20 points to lead the scoring. Following Thursday night’s effort of having all 11 players hit the scoreboard against the 36ers, 10 did so against the Hawks.

Only youngster Lochlan Cummings and captain Damian Martin failed to drop a basket but the MVP defensive player of the year’s three steals and nine assists were handy.

The opening round proved a tough one for the Hawks, who had to make the long road trip west after losing to reigning champion Melbourne United by one point after four overtime periods on Friday.

Whether it was playing fatigue, the travel factor or the Cats many scoring options, the Hawks struggled from the opening and found themselves 12 points down at quarter-time.

They shot at just 40 per cent in the first 10 minutes and improved that to 41 per cent for the game. David Andersen, who was so close to being the hero on Thursday night, had already attracted three personal fouls. The Wildcats, however, found plenty of scorers.

Six Perth players were already on the scoreboard by quarter-time and reigning NBL MVP Bryce Cotton had only three points.

He finished with 15 despite playing only 25 minutes.