Match Report: Wildcats vs Taipans Rnd18 NBL26

The Perth Wildcats delivered a dominant performance at home in front of the Red Army, defeating the Cairns Taipans 106-69 to extend their winning streak to five games.

Perth opened the game through Jo Lual-Acuil Jr who scored the first basket inside early. 

The Wildcats built a steady first-quarter lead, with Ben Henshall providing a spark offensively as Perth closed the term ahead 30-25.

The Wildcats tightened defensively in the second quarter and began to create separation, limiting Cairns’ looks while continuing to score across the floor.

Kristian Doolittle led the way during the period, scoring efficiently as Perth pushed the margin into double figures.

Cairns looked to respond through Jack McVeigh and Andrew Andrews, but Perth answered each run with timely baskets.

The Wildcats carried control through to the break, heading into halftime with an 11-point lead after dictating the tempo at both ends.

Kristian Doolittle led the Wildcats at halftime with 16 points on efficient shooting, going 5/8 from the field, 2/2 from three-point range and 4/4 at the line.

Ben Henshall scored 10 points and handed out four assists, impacting the game with his aggression and playmaking.

Perth blew the game open after the halftime break, producing a decisive 38–13 third quarter to take a commanding 92–56 lead into the final change. 

Elijah Pepper was the standout, igniting the Red Army in attendance with a run of HUGE three-pointers as the Wildcats stretched the margin beyond 30 points.

Cairns were unable to contain Perth’s ball movement and perimeter shooting.

The Wildcats comfortably closed out the contest in the final term, extending their lead from 92–56 at three-quarter time to a 106-69 win over the Cairns Taipans.

Perth managed the final minutes efficiently, involving the full roster and closing the game with control at both ends to secure the 37-point Pride Round victory.

Elijah Pepper finished with a game-high 25 points, knocking down 7/9 from three to cap a standout performance.

Kristian Doolittle continued his strong form with 19 points on 60 per cent shooting, adding four rebounds.

Dylan Windler contributed 15 points, five assists, and two steals in an all-round outing.

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr recorded 12 points and six rebounds, while Ben Henshall added 10 points and seven assists, directing play efficiently.

Perth’s depth was on display with contributions across the board as all available players saw court time.

BOX SCORES