Wildcats fall short in Adelaide

A spirited Perth Wildcats fightback wasn't enough to topple the Adelaide 36ers on New Years Day, the home side breaking a three game losing streak with a 100-97 victory at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

The Wildcats started well, leading 27-25 at quarter time as they chased their second road win of round 13, Sydney's shock loss to Illawarra giving the reigning champions a crack at top spot.

Eric Griffin orchestrated a fightback with support from Anthony Drmic and Jerome Randle in the second stanza for Adelaide, who led by four at the half.

A stunning buzzer beater from inside the Adelaide paint from Mitch Norton right on half time looked like it might build momentum for the visitors, but Adelaide continued their surge after the break, the home side with a 29-21 quarter in the third.

The Wildcats trailed by 12 at the final change, but Bryce Cotton and Terrico White engineered another Wildcats comeback to put their side in front halfway through the last.

Dario Hunt, Majok Majok and Nick Kay all fouled out in the final stages to stretch the visitors bench, Adelaide holding on for a crucial 3 point win.

Six 36ers players finished with double figure points, Griffin leading all comers with 24 points and Drmic 18 for the winners.

Bryce Cotton led the scoring for Perth with 22 points, Terrico White with 21 and the returning Clint Steindl posting 16 points.

The Wildcats continue their road run with a game against Brisbane Bullets on Sunday January 5th.

ADELAIDE 100 (Griffin 24, Drmic 18, Randle 13)

PERTH 97 (Cotton 22, White 21, Steindl 16)

IMAGE: NBL website.