The Perth Wildcats are just one win away from a record sixth National Basketball League crown after beating Adelaide 92-85 in the opening game of the best-of-three grand final series in Perth.
The Wildcats led by double digits for most of the match, but the match tightened up at the death when the 36ers closed the gap to just three points with 20 seconds remaining.
But the Wildcats' import Jermaine Beal sealed the win from the free throw line.
Just a few days after missing out on the league MVP award, the Wildcats import James Ennis scored 30 points in a standout performance.
Perth can wrap up the title with victory in Adelaide on Friday.
If needed the the deciding third game will be played in Perth on Sunday.
