Were expected to.

Instead, the Hornets came out buzzing and it took until half-time before the Wildcats were stung into action.

It was the home team that stung the competition leaders early, leading 31-23 at the end of the first quarter and 46-42 at half-time.

Wildcats head coach Dave Riemer had experimented with his combinations but was forced to go back to his strengths.

The A team Stefan Blaszczynski, Graeme Dann, Goran Veg, Damian Martin and Kristian Blaszczynski were called into action and they certainly answered the call, taking the Wildcats to a 67-60 lead at the final break before getting them home 91-86.

In contrast to the men's match, the Hornet women were expected to have an easy time against the winless Wildcats.

The Hornets have been rocketing up the competition ladder but the difference in status wasn't evident on Saturday night.

An inspired Wildcats kept pace with the Hornets throughout before losing 55-46.

The league is in recess over the Queen's Birthday weekend and the Wildcats will resume when they travel to Newcastle to play the Hunters on the following weekend.