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Perth Wildcats forward Shawn Redhage - Source: Getty
The Perth Wildcats edged closer to claiming their fifth NBL title with a topsy-turvy 75-64 triumph over Wollongong Hawks in game one of the best-of-three grand final series in Perth on Friday night.
The Wildcats led by 15 points in the second quarter but found themselves down by a point midway through the third term after Hawks forward Tim Coenraad (16 points) inspired a spirited fightback.
But Perth regrouped, with Shawn Redhage (15 points), Kevin Lisch (15), Galen Young (11) and Jesse Wagstaff (eight) denying Wollongong what would have been a famous win.
The Wildcats can secure the title with a win in game two on Tuesday in Wollongong, with the series to return to Perth next Friday if a third and deciding game is required.
Wollongong were well served by Coenraad, who landed his first four three-pointers, veteran Mat Campbell (13 points) and guard Luke Martin (11).
Hawks forward Cameron Tragardh was held scoreless in the first half and finished with just five points, while Larry Davidson (five) also had an off night.
Wollongong nailed three long bombs in the opening five minutes to sneak out to a handy six-point lead but the Wildcats hit back with a vengeance, unleashing a stunning 22-2 run to open up a 29-15 advantage early in the second quarter.
Perth's stifling defence clearly frustrated the Hawks, with Larry Davidson lashing out at Galen Young after copping a stray elbow from the Wildcats enforcer.
But a fumbling effort from Perth centre Luke Schenscher, who gave up the ball time and again and struggled to find his way to the hoop, gave the Hawks a slight window that the visitors took full advantage of.
Wollongong looked good from long range and a series of three-pointers, including two to Luke Martin, saw Perth's lead whittled back to three points by half-time.
The Hawks' surge continued in the third quarter as the visitors hit the lead midway through the term.
But Schenscher ended both his and his team's slump by landing his first shots of the night to help the Cats to a 57-53 lead at the final change.
Davidson had the chance to close the gap to just one point with four minutes remaining but his pair of missed free-throws proved costly, with baskets to Young, Redhage and a long bomb from Damian Martin (eight points) helping Perth close out the match.
