Game Preview: Taipans v Wildcats

With a shake-up to the Wildcats’ roster following the departure of superstar Bryce Cotton, Perth are not to be underestimated after opening the season with back-to-back wins led by dominant performances from Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. and Kristian Doolittle. Expect a physical, high-tempo contest as both sides look to make an early statement in the NBL season.

Where and When

Friday, 10 October at the Cairns Convention Centre (6:30pm AEST)

How to Follow

Watch: Live on ESPN

Live Updates: Taipans X

Live Stats: Box Score

What’s Already Happened

Round 3 Results

Cairns Taipans (79) v Adelaide 36ers (110)
Perth Wildcats (92) v Illawarra Hawks (84)

Despite a strong showing from import duo Lee and Admiral Schofield, the Taipans were outclassed by Bryce Cotton and the Adelaide 36ers, going down 79-110 last Thursday night at the Cairns Convention Centre.

After gritty victories in round two against the Brisbane Bullets and Sydney Kings, the Snakes led by Australian Boomer Jack McVeigh will be looking to bounce back to winning ways and push their playoff charge.

Heading into Round 4, Cairns ranks 1st in the league for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (31.5), and sits at 2-2.

Currently, Jack McVeigh is the only qualified player in the league averaging at least 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game this season.

Player to Watch

After two monster first-half dunks against the 36ers, Marcus Lee will be looking to punish the rim once again as he takes on extra responsibility in the absence of dynamic big man Sam Waardenburg.

Marcus Lee scored 18 points against Adelaide - his most since January 7, 2023. The Californian has been a vocal leader on and off the court since arriving in the Far North, drawing on his experience at the elite level across American college basketball, the NBA G League and a plethora of European teams.

His matchup against in-form Jo Lual-Acuil Jr will be crucial following his strong performance (22 points) against former NBA centre JaVale McGee.

What’s Been Said

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde:

Forde said the Taipans used the week’s break to help experienced point guard Andrew Andrews get up to speed after his late arrival, while giving Jack McVeigh some much-needed rest following heavy minutes across the opening four games of the season.

“It’s a great week just to allow us to reset and get back to winning ways,” he said. 

“(The Wildcats) are a different identity team. (Jo Lual-Acuil Jr) poses a different threat to what (Perth) has had previously, they’ve secured some gutsy wins. They’re coming here with confidence after starting the season 2-0. On the other side of the coin we’re looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss in front of our home crowd. There’s a chance for us to redeem ourselves there. 

Taipans forward Jack McVeigh:

McVeigh remains confident in the direction the Taipans are heading and believes the bond within the group will be key to long-term success.

“Off the court, it’s been amazing, we’ve got a great group of men,” he said. 

“We’re not going to splinter when challenges come. I’ve been on teams before that have broken halfway through the season.

“Adelaide came out and punched us in the face, but we get three more chances against them and we’ll be better. We’ve had some beautiful glimpses of basketball and some ugly ones. It just takes time, reps and practices together.”

The Lineups

Taipans

PG – Andrew Andrews / Kyle Adnam / Lachlan Barker

SG – Reyne Smith / Kody Stattmann / Lloyd McVeigh

SF – Admiral Schofield / Alex Higgins-Titsha

PF – Jack McVeigh / Mawot Mag

C – Marcus Lee / Kyrin Galloway / Jed Richardson

Wildcats

PG – Mason Jones / Ben Henshall  

SG – Dontae Russo-Nance / Elijah Pepper

SF – Dylan Windler / Jaron Rillie / Lat Mayen 

PF – Kristian Doolittle / Jesse Wagstaff

C – Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. / David Okwera / Noa Kouakou-Heugue

Ins and Outs 

Taipans

Ins – Lachlan Barker, Lloyd McVeigh, Jed Richardson

Outs – Sam Waardenburg (ankle)

Wildcats

Ins – Jaron Rillie

Game time decision – Jesse Wagstaff (throat)

Outs – Sunday Dech (calf)