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Vic Law injures ankle in Perth Wildcats’ 106-87 win over Cairns Taipans as playoffs loom

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Craig O'DonoghueThe West Australian
Vic Law injured his ankle in Perth’s win over Cairns Taipans.
Camera IconVic Law injured his ankle in Perth’s win over Cairns Taipans. Credit: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Perth Wildcats have moved tantalisingly close to extending their finals streak to a 36th season but they may find themselves without import Vic Law after he injured his right ankle during Saturday’s 106-87 win over Cairns at RAC Arena.

The Wildcats entered the game having lost four of their last five games and were desperate to find form on a night where they celebrated their 40th anniversary.

Under pressure Michael Frazier II played his best game for the club with 19 points and four rebounds to show he could still have a srrong impact despite the Wildcats attempting to replace him during the season.

That performance was even more vital after the Wildcats lost Law during the third quarter after an ugly slip. Law’s right leg was trapped under his body as he fell and the superstar was on crutches after the match.

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“Any time you see someone on crutches after the game, the natural tendency is to be worried,” coach Scott Morrison said.

Vic Law ended the night on crutches.
Camera IconVic Law ended the night on crutches. Credit: James Worsfold/Getty Images
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“It’s the same as any other injury. You hope for the best and move forward with what you have.

“It’s disappointing any time anybody gets hurt. We’re just getting back to almost a full team.”

Wearing black and gold and with a host of former stars in the stadium to celebrate the club’s 40th anniversary, Bryce Cotton was back to his best with 22 points, 10 assists and two steals. Law still scored 17 points while Matt Hodgson (14), Jesse Wagstaff (12) and Luke Travers (10) were all in double figures.

Tahjere McCall had a big night for Cairns with 13 points and 11 assists while Keanu Pinder was outstanding with 24 points and eight rebounds.

The Wildcats now have 16 wins and no team has missed the play-offs with that many victories in a 28-game season.

But Tasmania are still only one win behind with two games remaining, while South East Melbourne have 13 wins with three matches left. Those clubs will clash on Sunday.

Perth will finish the regular season with games against Illawarra and the Phoenix. The Wildcats have a clearer superior percentage to the JackJumpers and South East Melbourne.

Bryce Cotton got back into form.
Camera IconBryce Cotton got back into form. Credit: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Morrison said the goal now was clear.

“In order for us to get in with 16 wins, we’re going to need some help. I think that as a team we’ve got to be set on going to finals through the front door, not the back door,” he said.

“Let’s see if we can get it done by ourselves. We don’t want to need help. We want to go in playing well, go in with confidence. It’s two really tough games next week so our work is cut out for us but that’s what high level basketball is all about.”

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