Match Report: Wildcats vs Bullets Rnd15 NBL26

The Perth Wildcats have turned a tight contest into a statement win away from home, exploding after halftime to defeat the Brisbane Bullets 95-75 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

After leading early, then trailing at the main break, the Wildcats delivered a dominant 31-11 third quarter that turned the game and set up a 20 point Perth Wildcats victory to start the New Year. 

Perth jumped out to a 25-16 lead at quarter time. Ben Henshall’s energy was pivotal on both ends of the floor, finishing the opening term with back-to-back buckets, including a late three heading into the break.

Brisbane responded in the second quarter, tightening up defensively and finding rhythm on offence. The Wildcats struggled to convert clean looks as the Bullets surged back, winning the term 28-15 to take a 44-40 lead into halftime.

Despite the scoreboard, Perth felt the game was there to be taken.

“We felt like we were wearing them down,” Wildcats head coach John Rillie said post-game.

“The pressure was there, the contest was there. We just had to trust what we were doing and not let the score dictate how we felt.”

That belief showed immediately after the break.

The Wildcats came out with purpose, locking in defensively and forcing Brisbane into rushed possessions and turnovers.

 Elijah Pepper ignited the run, catching fire from deep and stretching the floor, while Jo Lual-Acuil Jr continued to assert himself inside throughout the game.

Perth ripped off a 31-11 third quarter, flipping a four-point deficit into a commanding 71-55 lead.

“We trusted the process,” Rillie said.

“When we defend the way we did in that third quarter, it becomes very disruptive. That’s when we’re at our best.”

With the game under control, Perth maintained its intensity in the final quarter, continuing to defend and execute offensively. The lead pushed beyond 20 as the Wildcats shared the scoring load and closed the game out.

Rillie was particularly pleased with the defensive response after halftime, pointing to the collective effort rather than individual matchups.

“Joe did a great job, Dave did a great job, Wags was important, but it was really the guys off the ball,” he said.

“When we’re locked in like that, it forces teams into tough shots and tough decisions.”

The Wildcats held Brisbane to just 11 points in the third quarter and never allowed them back into the contest.

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr was named Broadcast Player of the Game, finishing with 17 points and eight rebounds, including five offensive boards that underlined his physical presence.

Elijah Pepper’s shooting was elite, finishing with 14 points and three triples, all coming during the third-quarter surge.

Ben Henshall delivered another strong two-way performance with 12 points, three assists and three steals, while Dylan Windler added 12 points and six rebounds.

Kristian Doolittle contributed 11 points and David Okwera’s impact went beyond the box score with eight points, six rebounds and four assists.

“I thought defensively we took a big jump,” Ben Henshall said post-game.

“That’s where everything starts for us. When we’re getting after the ball, it flows into offence.”

With Perth continuing to manage injuries, Henshall has embraced the opportunity to shoulder more responsibility.

“It sucks when a guy like Dave Duke Jr goes down, but it opens the door for others,” he said.

“Whether it’s me, Pep or someone else, we’re ready to step up.”

With the job done in Brisbane, the Wildcats now head to New Zealand for a Sunday matchup against the Breakers.

BOX SCORES