Perth Wildcats big man John Mooney believes they can claw their way back into the NBL grand final series one play at a time - and it all starts with him beating out Jock Landale in the battle of the boards.
The Wildcats trail Melbourne United 2-0 in the best-of-five series after losing the opening two games in Perth, with the rest of the matches now shifting to Melbourne.
With three-time MVP Bryce Cotton injured and Luke Travers (calf) and Clint Steindl (groin) no certainty to return for game three on Friday night, the Wildcats face a monumental task to get a toe hold in the series - let alone win the remaining three matches to clinch the title.
But Mooney hasn't given up hope and he's determined to lead from the front.
The double-double machine was out rebounded by Landale in United's 83-74 win in game two last Sunday.
Landale finished the match with 17 rebounds compared to Mooney's nine and the American wants to turn that battle on its head.
"It's little things that are fixable and it starts with me," Mooney said.
"The big fella (Landale) had 17 boards. If I can get some more rebounds up there, I think it can really help the team. I think everyone can do one or two things to help.
"We're playing good enough to win in my opinion. One or two little plays is what is changing the direction of the games.
"Jesse (Wagstaff) spoke about it - if every one of us can make one or two extra plays - win a 50-50 ball, get a rebound, don't turn it over - little plays like that can add up and it can be the difference."
"We've worked too hard this entire season just to lay up right now. We're just going to let it rip."
Wildcats players are also dealing with the off-court distraction of the potential sale of the club.
Sports Entertainment Network, formerly known as Crocmedia, is reportedly in advanced ownership talks with the club.
SEN, whose chief executive and managing director is Craig Hutchison, also has a stake in Melbourne United.
Wildcats owner, 96-year-old philanthropist Jack Bendat, has been looking to sell Perth for the past year but only to a party who will have the club's best interests at heart.
The NBL will need to consider the ramifications of any potential deal given that it would give Hutchison a stake in two rival clubs.
Australian Associated Press
