The Perth Wildcats built a strong home win, defeating the New Zealand Breakers 88-75 after controlling key stretches and finishing hard in the final period.
Game flow
The Wildcats started hot, with Dylan Windler and Elijah Pepper hitting early three-pointers to spark an 8-0 run, and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. imposing inside presence with rebounding, a block, and a put-back. Kristian Doolittle contributed defensively and around the rim as Perth led 22-14 after the first quarter.
New Zealand answered in the second quarter, lifting their defensive intensity and pushing the pace. Parker Jackson-Cartwright drove much of the Breakers’ momentum, earning frequent trips to the free-throw line and helping close the gap. The Breakers’ pressure forced turnovers and tough shots, briefly giving them the edge. Ben Henshall produced attacking drives and critical rebounds, Pepper steadied the team with free throws and composure, and Doolittle relentlessly attacked the glass to keep Perth in touch as the game tightened. Rob Baker, Reuben Te Rangi, and Rob Loe extended the Breakers’ threat from long range, but the Wildcats finished the half strong. Pepper’s pull-up three as the half expired gave Perth a 43-38 lead at halftime, setting up a big second half at RAC Arena.
Key players
- Elijah Pepper: steadying presence, clutch free throws, and a confident pull-up three to close the half.
- Dylan Windler: early three-walls that helped establish the opening 8-0 run.
- Jo Lual-Acuil Jr: interior presence with rebounding and defense.
- Kristian Doolittle: relentless on the glass and defensive pressure.
- Parker Jackson-Cartwright: led the Breakers’ scoring momentum in the second period.
The Wildcats delivered a strong finish to regain control and hold on for the win.
Final
Perth Wildcats 88, New Zealand Breakers 75.
“Kristian Doolittle's monster final quarter has inspired the Perth Wildcats to an 88-75 win.”
Author’s note
Summary: Perth leveraged a controlling start, steady defense, and a decisive late surge to secure an 88-75 home victory over the Breakers, with Pepper and Doolittle pivotal down the stretch.
More News
- GLP – Welcome! – German Light Products
- New home is golden ticket for kitten Willa Wonka
- Nigeria's New Multi-Tier Electricity Market
- VectorStock Announces Single-License Model
- I want my husband home
- Chanté Nwèl : Les "Toubadours972" ravivent la tradition martiniquaise à Villejuif
- Home and Away star Dan Ewing cosies up to rumoured new girlfriend after split from fiancée and Katrina Risteska
- Home Contemporain: Magasin de meubles à Strasbourg
- [Nighttime exposure to light may raise cardiovascular risk by up to 50%]
- Aaru hits $1B valuation with multi-tier Series A funding