Cotton dominates in Wildcats' final test

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Bryce Cotton was at his very best as the Perth Wildcats won their fifth straight pre-season game.

Four-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton is looking as dominant as ever heading into the new NBL season, after a 36-point haul against Yokohama B-Corsairs on Wednesday.

Cotton helped the Perth Wildcats to their fifth straight win of the pre-season and a perfect 3-0 record in Japan, as they won 83-77 in their toughest challenge yet.

That’s why he’s (Cotton) the best player in the league," Wildcats captain Jesse Wagstaff told the club's website.

“He’s so good. He can put 36 points on the board in an unselfish manner, because he always makes the right pass and plays the right way at the defensive end as well.

“He always comes back each year having never missed a beat. He works hard, gets in the gym and does his work. That’s why he’s so good. We’re always taken back by how good he is and how quick and agile he is because of what he puts his body through. He’s doing BC things.”

Perth import Kristian Doolittle was one of the Wildcats' best performers and continues his impressive pre-season campaign, while there was a familiar face in the Yokohama team, with former Illawarra Hawk Gary Clark lining up.

Next Star Izan Almansa showed flashes of his ability with some strong work on the defensive end and a couple of crafty finishes, while John Rillie put his younger rotation to the test, with Elijah Pepper, Ben Henshall and Michael Harris spending significant time on court together.

The Wildcats will head back to Australia on Thursday, before their first game at the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast against New Zealand on Sunday.