Perth Wildcats’ NBL Blitz game against Cairns halted due to fire alarm on Gold Coast

Perth Wildcats pre-season game against Cairns Taipans has been halted during the third quarter after a fire alarm forced the Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre to be evacuated.

Cairns led 49-40 with 7:04 remaining in the term when the fire alarm was triggered as Keanu Pinder was taking free throws.

The players were directed to their benches as NBL officials spoke to the referees and then they were sent from the court as fans were told to leave the building.

The game was stopped for 14 minutes while investigations took place. The problem was discovered to have been coming from the kitchen and was not dangerous.

The players were given four minutes to warm up again before the game resumed. Pinder made both of his free throws upon returning to the floor.

Wildcats star Bryce Cotton isn’t playing, with the club taking precautions around his thumb injury he suffered in Japan. But he has guaranteed he will play in round one.