Kevin Brooks and Darnell Mee both had big games, but it was not enough to get past the Wildcats.

Wildcats Hold off 36ers for 10 point win

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 1998 at 4:02 PM ET

The Perth Wildcats have made a dream start to their 1998/99 season, turning back the defending champion 36ers by 10 points at the PEC this afternoon. Perth lead from the start, jumping out to an early 8 point lead after a few minutes of play. Scott Fisher and Andrew Vlahov set the pace early, both hitting outside jumpers. Perth recruit and Bommer Paul Rodgers took a few minutes to settle in, but started to assert himself as the first quarter wore on. Perth Coach Alan Black had earlier in the day signed his on Steven, and he didn't waste any time getting him in, Steven Black getting his first taste of NBL action in the second quarter. But the 36ers closed the gap in the second, Brett Maher the main contributer with 8 in the quarter. For the Wildcats Scott Fisher kept at it, finishing the half with 12 points. The Wildcats lead 45-41 with time running out on the half. But Adelaide knocked down a three and went to the half down by only 1, 45-44.

The top scorers in the first half were Fisher with 12, Vlahov 8, Rodgers 8 and Goodman 7. For Adelaide Brett Maher and Kevin Brooks each had 10. The Wildcats lead the rebounding count 22-18 with Paul Rodgers grabbing 5 to lead both teams. The third quarter saw Adelaide turn up the defensive pressure as they made a run at the home team. The 36ers took the lead early in the third, but the Wildcats hung tough and after 4 straight from Paul Rodgers they lead 88-80. Scott Fisher followed that up with an open jumper and the Wildcats were up by 8. They held that advantage until Kevin Brooks and Darnell Mee started to let loose. The Wildcats had a hard time containing mee in particular in the second half, with Ricky Grace and Greg Smith both injured. But the 36ers still couldn't get in front, the Wildcats taking their lead into the final term. the fourth quarter was a back and fourth affair with the Wildcats always one step ahead. But the unpredictable Martin Cattalinni started hitting from the outside and the once comfortable lead was looking a little dodgy. But some key three point shots from Andrew Vlahov iced it for the home team, the Wildcats winning by 10, 106-96. The leading scorers for the game were, Scott Fisher with 26, Paul Rodgers with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and for Adelaide Kevin Brooks had 22. .

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