A thrilling NBL26 encounter saw the Perth Wildcats roar past the South East Melbourne Phoenix, sending a powerful message ahead of HoopsFest. The Wildcats' dynamic duo, Dylan Windler and Kristian Doolittle, dominated with a combined 51 points and 20 rebounds, securing a 107-97 victory.
Windler's 27 points and eight rebounds, coupled with Doolittle's 24-point haul and 12 boards, showcased their formidable partnership. Elijah Pepper's perimeter prowess, with 4/6 three-pointers, added to the Wildcats' impressive performance.
However, the Wildcats faced a setback with key player Jaron Rillie's hamstring injury, adding to their concerns alongside David Duke Jr.'s elbow issue. Despite this, the Wildcats' road form remained strong, winning 10 out of 14 games away from home.
The win boosts their top-four prospects as they move to 14-10, closely trailing the Sydney Kings at 14-9. With seven of their final nine games at RAC Arena, the Wildcats are poised for a strong finish.
The Wildcats' shooting accuracy was exceptional, with a 56% field goal percentage and 12/28 three-pointers. Doolittle's 18 free-throw attempts alone exceeded the Phoenix's team total of 11.
South East Melbourne, despite the loss, remain in second place at 16-8. Wes Iwundu's 27 points and Nathan Sobey's impressive 24-point, eight-assist performance weren't enough, as the Phoenix struggled with turnovers and a lackluster bench performance.
The Wildcats' strong finish to the first quarter, with a 10-0 run, set the tone for the game. Ben Henshall's steals and the Wildcats' ability to capitalize on Phoenix's defensive lapses were pivotal.
As the Wildcats prepare for their Hoops Fest clash against the Illawarra Hawks, the Phoenix gear up for a top-two battle against the Adelaide 36ers. The stage is set for an exciting week of NBL action in Perth.
Will the Wildcats continue their road dominance? Can the Phoenix bounce back? Find out at Hoops Fest, where the NBL's best go head-to-head.
HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2025/26
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 97 (Iwundu 27, Sobey 24, Foxwell 9, Brown III 9)
PERTH WILDCATS 107 (Windler 27, Doolittle 24, Pepper 18)
BOX SCORE (https://www.nbl.com.au/matches/south-east-melbourne-phoenix-v-perth-wildcats-men-10-01-2026)
