Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton hits the NBL match winning shot again while Vic Law stars over New Zealand
The Aussie 
HOBART, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Vic Law of the Wildcats dribbles the ball during the round 15 NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Perth Wildcats at MyState Bank Arena on March 14, 2022, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)
Perth Wildcats superstar Bryce Cotton has revealed his eyes lit up when New Zealand players failed to confront him in the dying seconds of overtime and he instantly knew he was going to take the ball the length of the court to try to win the game.
Cotton added another chapter to his incredible career of match-winning moments when he nailed a three-pointer with just one second remaining to give Perth a 104-102 win.
Former coach Trevor Gleeson repeatedly turned to Cotton at time-outs to make the match winning plays. But after winning the defensive rebound with six seconds left and Perth trailing by one point, this time Cotton had to improvise.
The three-time NBL MVP quickly got past Tom Abercrombie and seized the moment as the remaining Breakers players pulled back to defend and force a three-point shot.
“I was just reading and reacting, trying to find an open spot on the floor,” Cotton explained.
“I was looking and anticipating the double but it didn’t happen. I think there was some miscommunication. Once that happened and I saw a pathway, my eyes lit up and I just wanted to take my time and follow through.
“I felt like I only saw New Zealand players (ahead) so it was just read and react. I didn’t know what I was going to do as soon as I got the ball. It was read and react.
“Once I saw that space open up, it’s like 0.5 second decision. You’ve just got to live with the result.”
Cotton scored 12 of his team’s 16 points during overtime to finish with 32 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
It was the second time in less than 12 months that he broke New Zealand’s hearts. He sent a game to overtime last season with a buzzer-beater and the Wildcats won that match too.
Vic Law set up the win with a remarkable performance after scoring 21 points in the first half. His 39 points and seven rebounds included the basket that sent the game to overtime with only 1.8 seconds remaining.
“He was great. He carried us for a good stretch of the game,” coach Scott Morrison said.
“They had a great game plan, they executed it and I think the only reason we won is because we have two guys who hit some crazy clutch shots. I‘ll take it but we’ve got to be better next week.”
The win gave the Wildcats a 9-5 away record – their equal best effort in a 28-game season. They will now fly home for a nine-match home streak in the perfect position to challenge for top spot.
Be sure to follow our Facebook.
Editor
admin 
