Match Report: Wildcats v Golden Kings

The Wildcats have notched up back-to-back wins against elite B.League opposition, providing plenty of highlights for the Red Army ahead of the NBL26 season opener.

It was an electric start as Elijah Pepper nailed a corner three on the opening play, before the Golden Kings showed their class with sharp outside shooting.

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. picked up where he left off in Game 1, throwing down back-to-back two-handed slams and swatting shots on the defensive end.

New import Mason Jones made his presence felt with his first points in Wildcats colours with a deep three that sent the Perth crowd into a frenzy.

Despite the home side’s energy, Ryukyu’s shooting touch kept them in front 27–21 at quarter time.

The Wildcats hit their stride in the second quarter with JLA, Ben Henshall and Kristian Doolittle combining to wrestle back momentum.

Jones delivered a smooth bounce pass to JLA for another emphatic dunk, before showing his own scoring touch from beyond the arc. By halftime, Jones had drained three triples while JLA had tallied 12 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks.

The Golden Kings, led by former Wildcat Vic Law, held a narrow 54–52 edge at the main break, setting up a tense second half.

If the crowd wanted a show, Jones delivered. The explosive guard came out on fire in the third quarter, hitting three consecutive triples to bring the Red Army to its feet. By mid-quarter he had 19 points, leading all scorers, and giving Perth a 62–60 advantage. 

Dylan Windler and Next Star Noa Kouakou-Heugue kept the scoreboard ticking, but the Golden Kings refused to fade, pushing back behind big man Alex Kirk’s inside presence. A late floater from Windler gave the Wildcats a 74–73 lead heading into the final term.

The fourth quarter was a nail-biter until the Wildcats’ stars rose to the occasion. Doolittle opened with a three, Henshall forced his way to the rim, and Pepper calmly sank free throws to keep Perth in front.

With the game in the balance, Jones and Law traded clutch buckets before Windler added another floater and JLA delivered a huge defensive block.

Pepper finished strong in transition and JLA sealed the contest with the biggest dunk of the night, it was the exclamation point on a 103–93 victory.

With wins over both the Sunrockers Shibuya and Ryukyu Golden Kings, the Wildcats wrap up the International Series undefeated and full of confidence.

The Red Army now turns its attention to September 20, when Perth opens the NBL26 season at RAC Arena against the Tasmania JackJumpers.

After tonight's showing, there's plenty to be excited about!