NBL grand final: Perth Wildcats beat Illawarra Hawks to go 2-0 in play-offs series –

Perth Wildcats are on the cusp of a second straight NBL championship after an 89-77 defeat of the Illawarra Hawks in game two of the grand final series in Wollongong.

American duo Bryce Cotton (20 points) and Casey Prather (18) spearheaded Wednesday night’s win for the Wildcats, while captain Damian Martin nailed three clutch three-point shots in the final quarter.

The Hawks were led by sharpshooting guard Rotnei Clarke (21) and centre AJ Ogilvy (21) at Wollongong’s Entertainment Centre.

Hawks import Marvelle Harris played 12 minutes off the bench after missing game one to be with his dying father in America.

Harris rushed back to Australia on Wednesday morning, playing 12 minutes off the bench but missing all four of his shots.

The Wildcats were down at quarter-time and half-time, before taking the lead late in the third period and never trailing again.

The visitors won by the same 89-77 scoreline as they did in game one, setting up victory with a strong rebounding effort in the second half.

A win in Sunday’s game three in Perth would give the Wildcats their eighth title and push them four championships clear of their nearest rival.

Source: NBL grand final: Perth Wildcats beat Illawarra Hawks to go 2-0 in play-offs series – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)