The Perth Wildcats edged closer to claiming their fifth Australian NBL basketball title with a topsy-turvy 75-64 win over Wollongong Hawks in game one of the best-of-three grand final series in Perth.
The Wildcats led by 15 points in the second quarter but found themselves down by a point midway through the third term after Hawks forward Tim Coenraad (16 points) inspired a spirited fightback.
But Perth regrouped, with Shawn Redhage (15 points), Kevin Lisch (15), Galen Young (11) and Jesse Wagstaff (eight) denying Wollongong what would have been a famous win.
The Wildcats can secure the title with a win in game two on Tuesday in Wollongong, with the series to return to Perth next Friday if a third and deciding game is required.
