Perth Wildcats coach Scott Morrison has paid tribute to his team for putting their disappointment about WA’s border closure behind them to fight back from a 13-point deficit during the second quarter and beat Illawarra 94-78.

The Wildcats appeared in trouble when they again started poorly, but Vic Law changed the game with 15 points in the second period, on the way to 22 points and seven rebounds.

Morrison urged his players to use the game as an escape from their border disappointment and said their ability to perform in those circumstances showed their mettle.

“I always used basketball as an escape from anything that was bothering me. I kind of gave that advice to the guys,” Morrison said.

“I’m sure they didn’t need that advice but at the same time I didn’t want to sugar coat anything. It’s a tough situation.

“It sucks that we left with the plan of coming back on a certain day and all of a sudden we are told that can’t happen. That’s really hard on you so it’s just another reason to be really proud of the team.

“The games are going to be played regardless of how we feel or what we get to do, so we may as well make them count.

“I hope we can continue to use basketball as an escape from a really tough situation for us, and even tougher for our families. That’s what bothers everyone here the most. We feel pretty helpless to help the ones we love back home.”

Bryce Cotton celebrated his 150th game with 24 points and four rebounds, Todd Blanchfield scored 20 points and had five rebounds and import Michael Frazier II finished with nine points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

Law’s dynamic second quarter followed Cotton dragging Perth back into the contest against Cairns on New Year’s Eve with a dominant second period.

NBL commentators Andrew Gaze and Corey Williams were critical of Perth’s inability to draw up plays to get Law involved earlier but Morrison said it wasn’t always that simple.

“We didn’t get him as many touches as we probably should have in the first quarter,” Morrison said.

“But he did get a couple of potential assists on his post up when he pitched it out to Mitch. He drew a foul another time and he had a kick-out three potential assist, so it’s not like he wasn’t contributing to the offence.

“But maybe it’s on me to make sure everyone gets their touches earlier. You’ve to to give credit to the Hawks too because they came out pretty strong defensively.”

The teams will play again in Wollongong on Thursday but the Wildcats will return to their base in Hobart to prepare.