NBL 2014/15 Round 2: Daniels stars as 'Cats scratch Hawks
A week is a long time in the NBL, with Perth Wildcats' superstar recruit DeAndre Daniels showing his promise in the team's 69-59 victory over the Wollongong Hawks.
In what was a game where both teams struggled offensively, Daniels was simply everywhere in his 16 point, 13 rebound and three block game. Mr 300th game man Shawn Redhage was in fine touch as well with 15 points of his own, while Jahii Carson did his best for the visitors with 19 points and four assists.
Kicking things off proved difficult for the two teams out on the floor as the defensive mindset of the Wildcats was met by Wollongong's grit down the other end. With the two sides evenly matched, it was the 'Gong who managed to put the pace into the game with an early lead.
From there the second quarter was all Perth, mostly thanks to DeAndre Daniels lighting up his teammates, the bench and the entire crowd. Most notably, it was this jam that had the Perth Arena rocking:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MQsrMMFuTc&feature=youtu.be
A dominant 21-11 second term gave the Wildcats the power to enforce the rest of the game on their terms.
The combined total of just 22 points was seen in the third term, with many players missing easy baskets, while Redhage managed to chalk up four fouls and was sorely missed throughout the quarter.
With the Hawks on the verge of another defeat at the hands of the Wildcats, the team attempted to pull together and manage one final run. Gary Ervin and Tim Coenraad both managed 10 points apiece, while Luke Nevill couldn't muster up a field goal, with just two attempts taken.
Wollongong simply did not have enough fire power; just two players scored off the bench as the Hawks desperately missed an impact player.
The final quarter was a battle of wit as the 'Cats did everything right to keep their opponents just out of reach and secure their first win of the season, just not quite in the most convincing way.
Perth Wildcats 69 (Daniels 16, Redhage 15, Beal 13)
Wollongong Hawks 59 (Carson 19, Coenraad 10, Ervin 10)
@ Perth Arena