Match Report: Wildcats vs United Rnd11 NBL26

The Wildcats set the tone early. Jesse Edwards scored first for Melbourne, but Perth’s collective response was immediate. Kristian Doolittle knocked down a three, Elijah Pepper attacked the paint and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr asserted himself around the rim. 

Dylan Windler and Sunday Dech added scoring punch, and the Wildcats’ ball pressure disrupted United’s rhythm. Perth’s tempo and defensive activity powered them to a 33-20 lead by quarter time.

United rallied in the second term through Tanner Krebs and Finn Delany, but Perth had answers. David Okwera brought energy off the bench, Ben Henshall scored in transition and Doolittle went to work at the stripe.

Pepper and David Duke Jr consistently broke down Melbourne’s defence with downhill drives, helping Perth maintain control. Even as Melbourne produced individual moments, the Wildcats’ composure on both ends pushed their advantage to 56-42 at half-time.

Perth’s sharpest stretch arrived after the break. Duke Jr and Windler found their offensive rhythm, with Windler connecting from deep and Duke Jr slicing into gaps. Okwera capitalised with strong finishes, and Doolittle continued to dictate the glass. 

Melbourne tried to respond through Milton Doyle’s shot-making and Delany’s physicality, but Perth repeatedly won the hustle plays and extended their lead to 76-57 entering the final term.

United made one last charge in the fourth, but Perth held firm. Windler buried a key three, Pepper kept pushing the pace and Lual-Acuil Jr attacked the interior, drawing fouls and converting at the line.

Doolittle continued to influence every possession, securing rebounds, creating for teammates and stabilising each Melbourne run. Melbourne hit timely shots, but Perth met every challenge with poise.

Down the stretch, the Wildcats’ control never wavered, closing out a confident double-digit home victory.

On a night where Chris Goulding was held scoreless, the first time in 109 NBL games he has failed to register a point. The Wildcats’ perimeter defence never allowed him clean looks, with their defensive pressure disrupted Melbourne’s spacing.

Perth closed out the contest with confidence, completing a standout 96-84 victory built on depth, discipline and consistent execution across the roster.

With a tight turnaround, the Wildcats will now shift their focus to Sunday’s clash with the Adelaide 36ers, where Bryce Cotton returns to RAC Arena for the first time.

BOX SCORES