Fast-finishing Wildcats go down to Breakers

The Wildcats trailed for nearly the entire match but stormed back late to get to within two points in the final minute after Ben Henshall, Kristian Doolittle and Tai Webster sparked the visitors.

New Zealander Webster was Perth’s best and most consistent in the absence of four-time MVP Bryce Cotton, was who out of the game early with a rib injury, causing the Breakers problems with his pace and energy.

Webster finished with a team-high 20 points to go with six rebounds and six assists, having an impact at both ends of the floor.

Birthday boy Doolittle (15 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals) continued his double-double streak into a third game after a strong finish.

Henshall also made the most of his increased court time, amassing 13 points including a crucial late triple to go with five rebounds.

With Keanu Pinder returning from concussion protocols, the Wildcats had their first-choice starting five on the floor for the first time this season.

But superstar Cotton went off two-and-a-half minutes in, holding his ribs after an earlier collision.

Cotton was taken to hospital to get his rib injury further assessed and took no further part in the contest.

It gave Henshall an early taste of court time at the young gun didn’t take long to get his first points after charging to the basket for a layup.

Hyrum Harris also had an instant impact once he came on, providing his usual hustle and adding a couple of quick buckets including an and-one.

But it was the hosts leading 24-18 on the back of a prolific quarter from outside the arc.

The Wildcats went on a few runs during the second term, doing well to claw their way back from 14 points down early in the quarter to get to within four.

It was a strong close out to the half, with one shot in it as Perth trailed 41-39 with everyone chipping in and remarkably no player in double digits.

In his second game back from a calf injury, Webster brought the energy in the third term against his old team.

But it was the Breakers with a healthy 68-58 advantage with a quarter to play after a strong finish.

Doolittle lifted in the last to give the Wildcats hope of a come-from-behind victory.

Henshall hit a late three before a steal at the other end of the floor, with captain Jesse Wagstaff’s resulting two cutting the margin back to four with a minute left.

Webster’s and-one had the deficit back at two before the home side steadied.

The Wildcats are back on home soil on Sunday ahead of their Friday night clash against Sydney Kings at RAC Arena.