The Perth Wildcats came from behind to record a 100-95 victory over a Lakeside All Stars team led by Anthony Tolliver at Waroona Recreation Centre tonight in the 'Cats first pre-season match since winning the NBL championship last season.
The Wildcats took the court for the first time since winning the 2009/10 championship in March to open the pre-season campaign with a hard fought five-point victory over an All Stars team from Lakeside that had the help of Tolliver, who recently signed a multi-year deal with NBA team the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite 22 points and 11 rebounds from Tolliver, the Wildcats finished the stronger of the two teams after a tight battle all night.
There were 14 lead changes throughout the match with the scores tied a further nine times. Lakeside was in front for over 31 minutes of the game and the Wildcats just over four, but most importantly when it counted after the 40 minutes.
Lakeside started strongly moving out to a 19-13 lead before the 'Cats hit back to lead at quarter-time. It was the All Stars leading by two points at half-time and they had extended that to six heading into the last period.
The Wildcats had levelled the scores at 90 midway through the quarter, though, and then finished strongly to win by five on the back of taking care of the ball well with just seven turnovers compared to Lakeside's 19 with the other key factor being the 'Cats dominance in the paint with 52 points to 16.
Shawn Redhage led the way for Perth with 19 points on the back of 7-for-15 shooting.
Stephen Weigh scored 18 points and pulled in six rebounds, Grand Final MVP Kevin Lisch hit 17, had six assists and two steals with Matt Knight scoring 12 points, collecting five boards and dishing out three assists in his first game in Wildcats colours.
Cameron Tovey scored just three points, but pulled off seven steals with newly signed development player Greg Hire impressive with six points as he hit all three of his shots.
Tolliver showed why he has signed a two-year deal with the Timberwolves to lead the way for the Lakeside All Stars while receiving strong competition from Knight and Redhage.
Ben Beran also scored 19 points and had six boards, with Danny Brown scoring 18 with nine assists and six rebounds. Former Adelaide 36er Brad Davidson injured a hamstring and will not play the last two games with Ryan Sofoulis taking his spot.
The Wildcats and All Stars do battle again at Lakeside on Thursday night and Joondalup on Saturday.
Perth Wildcats 100 (Shawn Redhage 19, Stephen Weigh 18, Kevin Lisch 17) defeated
Lakeside All Stars 95 (Anthony Tolliver 22, Ben Beran 19, Danny Brown 18)
at Waroona Recreation Centre
