Perth Wildcats captain Jesse Wagstaff admits team needs to find cohesion after NBL loss to Adelaide 36ers

Perth Wildcats captain Jesse Wagstaff is confident his team has learnt valuable lessons from Sunday’s horror final quarter and loss to Adelaide, saying they must get on the same page. The Wildcats led by 21 points during the third quarter and still had a 16-point advantage with four and a half minutes remaining. But Bryce Cotton led his 36ers to a one-point victory that left the Wildcats shell-shocked. Wagstaff said it was clear the players must work better as a group when pressure increases as they prepare to host Sydney at RAC Arena on Friday night. “I think we’ve got to be more on the same page when it comes to crunch time,” Wagstaff said. “We’re pretty much half-way through the season. We’ve really got to nut that out in terms of our communication and being on the same page, especially at the offensive end. “Teams – not just us - are constantly evolving and constantly learning with different line-ups. It’s a constant process. I wouldn’t expect us to have it figured out at this time of year. It’s early December. If you’ve got it all figured out now, what are you going to do for the next two and a half months?” Perth have struggled to find a go-to player when games are on the line this season. They had the luxury of giving the ball to Cotton when he was dominating in previous years, but are still searching for the person who is ready to make the game-winning shots. Wagstaff said this team wouldn’t be turning to one player. “We’re built differently than that,” he said. “In the past nine years, everyone in the league, the opposition and the crowd knew who it was going to be. We’re built differently than that. We don’t have BC and that’s fine. It could be a number of guys. “If you look across our team, the talent is there. It’s going to change game-to-game, it’s going to change on match-ups, it’s going to change on foul trouble, it’s going to change on injuries. I think that’s a good thing, It provides us with options and we’re harder to scout.” Meanwhile the NBL has announced a Bounce Nation Fan Zone will be built in Forrest Place for HoopsFest next month. Every NBL and WNBL team will play in Perth from January 15-18 and fans will be able to enjoy live entertainment, interactive activities, competitions, and player appearances. A half-court will host open shoot-arounds, skill sessions, competitions, 3x3Hustle events, and a Special Olympics showcase throughout the weekend.