Mooney dominant as Wildcats end United's streak again

Perth Wildcats centre John Mooney has credited his teammates efforts after the Perth Wildcats 82-69 win over the league-leaders in Melbourne United.

That’s despite a monumental stat-line from the American rookie, scoring an equal career-high 30 points to go with 14 rebounds, three assists and three steals.

“That second quarter was the difference in the game, our second team came in there and played very well and gave us the lead, so shout out to them,” he said.

“And I’ve definitely got to give a shout out to Bryce Cotton, he had 10 assists today and I’d say the majority of my points were from him. He’s unbelievable and just great to play with.”

Cotton had his second double-double of the season with 16 points to go with the career-high equalling assist tally.

After a slow start to the game, the Perth Wildcats piled on 34 points in the second -  their highest scoring quarter of the season - and never looked back.

“I was happy we played Wildcats Basketball, sharing the basketball and having your mates back, and playing all out," said coach Trevor Gleeson.

“Once we got that lead out to double-digits, we had some breathing space. When you play the right way you get the right result.”

The win ends Melbourne United’s 11-game win-streak and sees the Wildcats claw back one-win in the race to top-spot with their Victorian rival.

It’s the second time Perth have ended a United win-streak this season, after handing them their first loss of the season at the NBL Cup.

The Wildcats return to Perth on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s clash with the NZ Breakers at RAC Arena.

Perth Wildcats 82 (Mooney 30, Cotton 16, Blanchfield 9)

Melbourne United 69 (Landale 11, Goulding 10, Baba 10)