JLA again stars for 'Cats in Japan

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr had another 29 points for the Perth Wildcats as they beat the Ryukyu Golden Kings by 28 points at the Island Games.

By Chris Pike for NBL.com.au

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr dominated in Japan once again to be in ominous form ahead of NBL27 producing 29 points in 24 minutes as the Perth Wildcats beat the Ryukyu Golden Kings 110-82 in Okinawa.

The Wildcats big man had 27 points in 17 minutes back on Tuesday night to open the Island Games against the Chiba Jets and then backed that up with another commanding performance against the Golden Kings on Thursday.

It's the last hit out for the 'Cats ahead of opening the NBL season next Saturday night against the South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena with the majority of their team available aside from Jesse Wagstaff, Jaron Rillie and the yet to be signed final import.

While Dylan Windler did knock down four three-pointers for 18 points, it was Lual-Acuil Jr who was the dominant presence and finished with 29 points, four rebounds and two assists on 13/16 shooting from the field.

The Wildcats made another fast start with an 8-2 opening to the game before turning that into a 31-19 advantage by the end of the first quarter.

Ryukyu then made a game of it in the second frame with 25 points but Perth did add another 28 and that saw them head into the half-time interval on top 59-44.

The Wildcats took further control in the third period with 31 points to 13 and then went on to win by 28 points from there as their preparations wrapped up for the start of the NBL season.

On top of what Lual-Acuil Jr provided for the 'Cats, Dylan Windler knocked down 4/6 from the outside and 7/9 overall for 18 points and four rebounds.

Anthony Dell'Orso also had 16 points, five assists and four rebounds, Kristian Doolittle 12 points, seven boards, seven assists and two steals, and sharpshooter Tana Kopa 11 points with 3/5 shooting from the outside on the back of a strong NBL1 South season with Keilor Thunder.

Elijah Pepper also had nine points, four rebounds and three assists, Alex Higgins-Titsha six points, two steals and two blocks despite fouling out in 16 minutes, and Angus Brandt four points and two rebounds in his Japan return.

RYUKYU GOLDEN KINGS 82 – PERTH WILDCATS 110

Ryukyu Golden Kings
Jack Cooley – 19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
Sota Oura – 18 points, 2 assists, 6/7 3PT
Kiefer Ravena – 16 points, 2 steals, 4/7 3PT
Keishi Matsuwaki – 10 points, 5 assists
Koya Kobari – 8 points, 3 assists

Perth Wildcats
Jo Lual-Acuil Jr – 29 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Dylan Windler – 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4/6 3PT
Anthony Dell'Orso – 16 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds
Kristian Doolittle – 12 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals
Tana Kopa – 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3/5 3PT

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