Tip-off: Friday, February 24, 7.30pm (local), Adelaide Arena

Radio: Sport FM

Last time they met: Adelaide 96 (Simpson 22, Warren 20, Herbert 13) d Perth 84 (Knight 21, Lisch 16, Wagstaff 12), Round 9, 2011/12, Challenge Stadium, Perth

Bogey team?
Despite their struggles the past two seasons, the Adelaide 36ers have beaten the Wildcats four times including their two visits to Perth this year.

Perth coach Rob Beveridge discusses whether Adelaide are the Wildcats’ bogey team and a number of other important factors for Friday’s game.

On whether the 36ers have the wood on Perth
I think it is important to keep things in perspective. Adelaide have some very talented players and have been in with a chance of winning games many times this season but faulted down the stretch. Against us they were very disciplined and focused the whole game and deserved the wins.

On whether Perth’s fullcourt style fails to exploit Adelaide’s inability to execute
Pressure defence is definitely one of our strengths. However, we are getting better at mixing up the fullcourt pressure with lock-down halfcourt defence. The last time in particular, Adelaide did an exceptional job of beating our pressure defence so we have to be more selective about if and when we do apply our pressure.

On why Adelaide prevailed the past two games
We did a poor job of following scouts and broke down too many times on offense and defence. For us to give up 100 points and 96 points in those games was very disappointing and I know we have improved significantly on the defensive end.

On Adelaide import Chris Warren’s good form against the Wildcats
Warren is one of the quickest players in the league and we cannot afford for him to get going in the fullcourt. In game one we definitely had his measure, however he was very good in games two and three, particularly with the pick-and-roll. With Damian Martin back to full fitness, the return of Matty Knight and Luke Nevill understanding our defensive system we are a lot better at defending the pick-and-roll.

On the Luke Nevill v Daniel Johnson match-up
Luke has adapted to our style of play which is difficult for a seven-footer. He is playing better every game and with a lot more confidence, particularly at the offensive end. I expect Johnson, Helliwell and Simpson will all have a crack at Luke throughout the game. Johnson is one of the most improved players in the league so it is going to be a great challenge for Luke to stop him as well.

On Jesse Wagstaff v Diamon Simpson on the boards
Jesse has proven over the past six weeks to be one of the best players in the league. He is very versatile where he can play inside and out and defend different positions. He did a very good job keeping (Jerai) Grant off the boards and I believe he has the ability to do it again this week against Simpson.

The wrap
In Perth’s seven losses an average of 47.6 fouls have been called and opponents have shot 28 free throws. In their 15 wins those numbers drop to 41.6 and 23.3.

Adelaide got to the line 74 times in their two victories in Perth, with five 36ers shooting three or more free throws. In total, 106 fouls were called in the two games.

In contrast, just 36 fouls were called in Round 1 when Perth demolished the 36ers at Adelaide Arena, the home side shooting 18 free throws.

How aggressively Adelaide attack the pressure to draw fouls and how tightly the game is called will play large roles in the outcome.

The 36ers will desperately miss the composure of Nathan Croswell, who has averaged 11.3 points, 59 per cent from the field, 3.3 assists and 1.3 turnovers against Perth this season.

Unless Adelaide can gain an early lead and build on that confidence this should be an easy Wildcats win.

Prediction: Wildcats by 14