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Wildcats benefit from time in the tropics

Dec 12th, 2019Dec 12th, 2019

A bonding session in tropical Far North Queensland could be the catalyst for the Perth Wildcats to defend their NBL crown.

The reigning champions spent four days in Cairns ahead of Thursday night's clash against the Taipans, notching up a second consecutive road win to cement their place on the ladder.

The Wildcats are now comfortably second on the table and breathing down the necks of the Sydney Kings. Both sides have 11 wins, but the Kings have played two fewer games.

Veteran Perth star Damian Martin said the decision to travel to Perth early, rather than have a short turnaround at home, paid off.

"Ideally you do get a couple of days here," the skipper said after his side's 88-84 win against Cairns.

"It was a great luxury to play South East Melbourne in Melbourne on Sunday and then make the decision do we fly back to Perth with the quick turnaround or do we get on court in Cairns and adjust to the humidity and the weather.

"It's been a great four days, not only from adjusting to some things we need to get better at but also some bonding, hanging out with each other on the road - instead of prepping for a game just purely enjoying each others' company."

Martin said flying home from games had more impact than flying to games.

"Obviously it is a long flight home via Brisbane but the reality is that everywhere is a long flight from Perth," he said.

"Flying to a game, I don't think has much of an impact on that performance, it's more so the recovery side of things."

Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson, who took control of his 400th NBL match on Thursday night, said he was pleased his side would fly home with two wins under their belt.

"You have got to show some resilience in this league, either get through injuries or adverse conditions like travel," he said.

"It's how you respond that really dictates how you're going to go throughout the course of the season."

The Wildcats fly home to Perth on Friday before another big match against the Brisbane Bullets on Saturday night.


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