Match Report: Wildcats vs Bullets Rnd21 NBL26

The Perth Wildcats completed a strong Friday night home performance at RAC Arena, defeating the Brisbane Bullets 94–75.

The Wildcats wasted little time and were sharp defensively from the opening possessions, generating disruption and converting early opportunities to jump out to a quick lead.

Kristian Doolittle immediately found rhythm from the perimeter, knocking down multiple early threes as Perth established scoreboard control. Alongside him, Elijah Pepper’s activity and pace helped fuel an aggressive start, with the Wildcats pushing ahead 29–19 by quarter time.

Brisbane responded with greater stability in the second term. Hunter Maldonado began to find space offensively, while Tyrell Harrison provided presence inside as the Bullets worked to chip into the margin.

Perth however remained composed. Rather than allowing Brisbane’s momentum to snowball, the Wildcats answered through disciplined half-court execution and interior scoring. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. proved influential during this stretch, helping Perth maintain separation as the teams went into the main break with the Wildcats leading 51–37.

The third quarter ultimately shaped the contest. Brisbane attempted to lift its defensive intensity, but Perth’s pressure at the point of attack and improved ball movement quickly shifted control back in the Wildcats’ favour. Perth strung together key defensive stops, turning turnovers into efficient offensive possessions. 

Doolittle’s all-around influence continued to anchor the Wildcats, while Pepper and David Duke Jr. provided scoring and energy plays as the margin ballooned. By three quarter time, Perth had extended its advantage to 76–55, placing the game firmly on its terms.

Brisbane searched for a spark early in the fourth, with Maldonado and Terry Taylor generating isolated scoring opportunities, but Perth’s defensive structure consistently halted any sustained run. Each Bullets basket was met with steady responses from the Wildcats, whether through patient half-court sets or transition finishes.

Perth’s control through the closing stages was decisive. Pepper provided timely scoring to steady the tempo, while Duke Jr.’s return continued to show its value through rebounding and his defensive activity. Doolittle remained central throughout as the Wildcats kept Brisbane from mounting any meaningful late challenge.

With the margin comfortably intact, Perth closed out the night, securing a convincing 94–75 victory.

The Wildcats will now hit the road for the highly anticipated matchup with the Sydney Kings on Sunday. 

BOX SCORES