Rillie hails composure of emerging Wildcats

While Jo Lual-Acuil Jr starred in the Perth Wildcats' Ignite Cup win, coach John Rillie was most pleased with how his team outworked the Tasmania JackJumpers and how the supporting cast seized their opportunities.

After falling 17 points behind early at MyState Bank Arena on Wednesday night, the Wildcats outscored Tasmania 86-58 the rest of the way to claim an 11-point victory, built entirely on effort.

The 'Cats won the possession battle with 15 offensive rebounds to eight, committed just eight turnovers, and finished with seven more shot attempts and five extra free throws, all to the delight of their coach.

"That's what we talk about probably daily is winning the possession game," Rillie said.

"Depending on the type of team and our roster, it's looked different previous years, but this year our ability to offensive rebound when we have the right mentality is very good. They tell on themselves, that should be the bar every time we step out on the floor."

With Mason Jones gone, and David Duke Jr yet to debut as his replacement, along with Dylan Windler and Noa Kouakou-Heugue both sidelined on Wednesday, more opportunities opened up for others.

Plenty of players grabbed their chance. While Lual-Acuil Jr dominated with 23 points, six rebounds, and three assists, Elijah Pepper delivered a career-best 19 points on 5/6 from deep, and David Okwera added a season-high 13 points, six rebounds, and two steals.

Ben Henshall was composed with 10 points on 4/7 shooting and two assists without a turnover, finishing with an equal team-high +12 alongside development player Jaron Rillie, who again started and contributed 11 points on 4/5 shooting.

Coach Rillie was glad to see them all make the most of their opportunity.

"With the roster we have right now, and with guys being out and joining the team, it gives a lot of opportunity to our young guys," Rillie said. "And by going on the road, they get to see some different environments in the league, and it really shows the type of resilience.

"Like Dave (Okwera), that maybe was his best NBL game, so to see his growth and his willingness to stay with us for three years and to do that.

"Then there was Henshall composure tonight, which was probably the best in his NBL career. And then Pepper had a nice little patch there in the third quarter that gave us good momentum.

"When you have a youthful roster, you have to ride the waves, so that at the back end of the season there's great dividends for you."