Match Report: Wildcats vs Hawks Rnd19 NBL26

The Perth Wildcats continued their surge toward finals with a 106–99 road win over the Illawarra Hawks at WIN Entertainment Centre, extending their form to seven wins from eight games and improving their away record to 11–4.

The hard-fought win has Perth level in fourth place with Melbourne United at 18–11.

Illawarra established early control, winning the opening exchanges through pace and pressure to lead 30–25 at quarter-time.

The Hawks repeatedly generated second-chance opportunities and interior looks, with JaVale McGee active around the rim and William Hickey pushing tempo.

Perth stayed within touch through finishes from Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and early contributions from Dylan Windler, but Illawarra’s energy carried into the second term.

The Hawks extended their advantage in the second quarter, continuing to win the effort areas and capitalising on turnovers.

Perth answered in patches, including a key moment midway through the term when Elijah Pepper knocked down his 50th three-pointer of the season, a basket that also brought up 500 NBL career points.

Despite that lift, Illawarra maintained control to take a 54–48 lead into the main break.

Perth’s response after half-time was immediate as the Wildcats lifted their defensive pressure and ball movement with the game turning quickly. 

Kristian Doolittle sparked the run with consecutive long range threes that lifted the away side. Ben Henshall began to dictate tempo, recording assists on early third-quarter baskets and attacking the lane when switches appeared.

Defensively, Perth forced turnovers and converted on the scoreboard. A steal from Doolittle followed by a pull-up three trimmed the margin.

Lual-Acuil Jr asserted himself at both ends, protecting the rim with blocks and finishing through contact inside.

Perth won the third quarter 32–20, completely swinging momentum and taking an 80–74 lead into the final change.

Illawarra responded early in the fourth, levelling the score at 80–80 as Tyler Harvey and Hickey found gaps in transition.

From there, the game tightened into a possession-by-possession contest.

Perth regained control through execution in the half court, beginning with a strong interior finish from Lual-Acuil Jr off a Doolittle assist, followed by a composed pull-up jumper from Doolittle to restore separation.

As the pressure increased, Perth’s late-game discipline became the difference.

Henshall drilled a crucial three midway through the quarter, and Pepper followed with a fadeaway jumper after a defensive rebound to push the Wildcats back in front.

On the defensive end, Lual-Acuil Jr recorded a late block, while Windler and Henshall secured key rebounds to finish possessions.

The closing minutes were managed at the foul line. Pepper drew contact on consecutive possessions, converting enough free throws to maintain the margin, and then sealed the game with a late steal that prevented Illawarra from mounting a final push.

A final defensive rebound from Lual-Acuil Jr closed the door before Perth added the last points from the stripe.

Illawarra led 30–25 at quarter-time and 54–48 at half-time, but Perth’s third-quarter surge proved decisive. The Wildcats edged the fourth quarter 26–25 to complete the seven-point comeback victory.

After trailing by double digits earlier in the contest, it marked the fifth time this season the Wildcats have overturned a significant deficit, again underlining their late-game execution.

With finals already secured, the result again showcased Perth’s ability to adjust mid-game and execute late, particularly on the road.

The Wildcats now head into the final rounds of the regular season with momentum and a growing body of evidence that their late-game structure and composure are translating consistently when margins tighten.

The Perth Wildcats return home to play the Cairns Taipans on Friday, 6 February in The Jungle.

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