38 years young

At one point in the second quarter of Game 2 on Saturday Night, the Perth Wildcats were looking at a 20-point deficit that was continuing to grow.

Enter Jesse Wagstaff.

The 504-game veteran stepped up once again when it mattered most, to help trim the margin to a manageable 14 by half-time.

“That could have easily been 30-point lead at one stage, but he hit some timely shots,” Pete Hooley said on NBL Now.

“You go back and watch that and if it gets to a 30-point lead, they’re probably going to just roll over.”

The Wildcats’ captain had eight points in just three minutes of the second quarter, including a deep three to force a timeout from Melbourne.

Perth coach John Rillie praised the 38-year-old in the post-game.

“Wagstaff came in and played a huge role in the first half. He was the one who kept the scoreboard ticking over to keep hope for us during that moment,” he said.

Wagstaff finished the game with 10-points, a perfect four-of-four from the field and +10 in the +/- column.

“Big credit to Jesse Wagstaff, who just continues to do it,” Hooley added.

Wagstaff’s experience could prove invaluable again on Tuesday night, when the Wildcats take on Melbourne in a do-or-die clash in enemy territory.

One thing’s for sure, the six-time champion will be raring and ready to go should Rillie call his name.

Watch a massive night of NBL action, with NBL Slam from 5.30pm AEDT, followed by a live edition of Overtime, the Pre-Game Show, then tip-off between Melbourne United and Perth from 7.30pm AEDT.