Sydney primed for epic clash with Wildcats in Perth

SYDNEY coach Chase Buford has brushed off concerns the Kings could struggle to handle the heat in Friday’s top four clash with the Wildcats in Perth, declaring: “We kicked their arse over there last season, so we’ll be ready.”

Wildcats boss Craig Hutchison had given the Kings a cheeky reminder of the club’s surge in crowds this season, saying: “we get crowds like that for practice games”.

The comment sets the scene for a blockbuster game at Perth’s RAC Arena on Friday.

The Kings are flying high, but the Wildcats have found form to move into fourth.

Hutchison is proud of Perth’s players and coaching staff for hanging tough after a slow start, but says Sydney will provide his charges with the ultimate challenge.

“Hats off to the Kings – I think they’re the benchmark of the competition, the best team in the comp and the deserved favourites for this season,” he told News Corp.

“They’ve had everyone’s measure to date, so it is a great challenge for us.”

Hutchison’s appreciation for Sydney extends to the club’s surge in average home attendance this season.

The Wildcats has long been the highest-drawing attendance team in the league.

They lead the average attendance with 10,503 from eight games but Sydney is nipping at their heels.

The Kings had 12,986 fans at Sunday’s home clash against Illawarra while the club has attracted four consecutive crowds of 11,000 for the first time in franchise history.

Hutchison welcomes Sydney’s success on the crowd front as a major win for the NBL’s growth.

“They’ve done a great job growing their crowds,” he said.

“We get those sorts of crowds to practice matches, so we’ve been blessed to have such a long-time support base.”

Sydney recorded a dominant 102-80 win over the Wildcats in Perth last season.

Wildcats v Kings at RAC Arena from 9.30pm (AEDT) and Live on ESPN and Kayo