Perth Wildcats bolstered their impressive road record to 10-4 with a commanding 107-97 victory over South East Melbourne Phoenix on Saturday night. The game, held at the State Basketball Centre, saw Kristian Doolittle shine with 24 points, including a crucial eight in the final quarter, leading the Wildcats to their third consecutive win.
Doolittle’s performance was pivotal, as he successfully executed two free throws to extend the lead to seven points with just a minute remaining, and repeated the feat with 15 seconds left, sealing the victory. Despite the triumph, the Wildcats faced a setback with young point guard Jaron Rillie suffering a knee injury in the fourth quarter, compounding the team’s challenges in that position following David Duke Jr’s prolonged absence due to injury.
Wildcats’ Rising Momentum
The Wildcats’ win improves their season record to 14-10, positioning them closer to the fourth-placed Sydney Kings. Meanwhile, the Phoenix’s three-game winning streak was halted, though they maintain their second-place standing with a 16-8 record.
Dylan Windler delivered one of his standout performances of the season, scoring 27 points, including an electrifying nine in the third quarter, alongside eight rebounds and two assists. Kristian Doolittle also contributed significantly with 12 rebounds and four assists, marking his sixth double-double of the season. Elijah Pepper was instrumental in the first half, scoring 18 points, with 15 coming before halftime.
Phoenix’s Resilience and Challenges
Despite the loss, Phoenix forward Wes Iwundu showcased his prowess with a season-high 27 points, including three triples, marking the second instance this season he has surpassed the 20-point threshold. Nathan Sobey, an MVP contender, continued his strong form, adding 24 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals to his impressive record.
High-Scoring First Half
The first half was marked by high-octane offense, with the Wildcats leading 58-50 at halftime. The team shot an impressive 58 percent from the field, with Doolittle and Pepper each contributing 15 points by the major break. Pepper was particularly efficient, making all three of his three-point attempts and hitting six of seven from the field.
On the other side, Iwundu led the Phoenix with 19 points in the first half, including two early three-pointers. Dylan Windler commented on the game’s frenetic pace during a halftime interview on ESPN.
Turnovers Prove Costly for Phoenix
The Wildcats capitalized on the Phoenix’s early mistakes, building a 42-32 lead four minutes into the second quarter. By that point, the Phoenix had committed nine turnovers, a key factor in their early deficit. They ended the game with 11 turnovers, having already accumulated eight by the end of the first quarter.
South East Melbourne Phoenix 97 (Iwundu 27, Sobey 24)
Looking Ahead
The Wildcats’ victory underscores their growing momentum as they eye a higher playoff seed. However, the injury to Jaron Rillie presents a challenge that the team will need to address swiftly. Meanwhile, the Phoenix will look to rebound from this setback and solidify their position in the standings.
As the NBL season progresses, both teams will need to navigate injuries and maintain their form to achieve their postseason aspirations. Fans can continue to follow the action live on ESPN through Kayo Sports, with the promise of more thrilling basketball in the weeks ahead.
