Wildcats finish strong to secure fourth straight win

The Perth Wildcats have made it four straight wins, pulling away from the New Zealand Breakers in the final quarter to secure a 100-84 victory at RAC Arena on Saturday night.

Perth withstood repeated New Zealand challenges until taking control with a 30-18 final term, led by Dylan Windler, turning a four-point lead at the last break into a convincing victory and improving their record to 4-1.

Elijah Pepper continued his strong scoring form with 25 points, marking his fourth consecutive game with at least 25.

First Half:

The Breakers had the better of the opening exchanges as the Wildcats searched for their scoring touch, with Kristian Doolittle getting Perth on the board after New Zealand scored the first five points.

Brandon Knight checked in midway through the opening quarter for his first NBL minutes, quickly making an impact by blocking a Dejan Vasiljevic drive before attacking the basket for his first points in front of the Red Army.

With Windler connecting from outside and contributions coming from Jaron Rillie and Jesse Wagstaff, Perth began to find some rhythm.

Elijah Pepper’s pull-up three put the Wildcats ahead 14-11, but containing Sam Mennenga was proving a challenge.

The Breakers big man scored 17 first-quarter points, repeatedly answering Perth’s efforts to take control.

A late Doolittle three and a Pepper layup briefly swung the lead back the Wildcats’ way before Mennenga scored again to give New Zealand a 22-21 edge at quarter-time.

The visitors stretched their lead to six early in the second, Perth responded through Windler and Pepper before a Wagstaff three restored the Wildcats’ advantage.

Knight then turned defence into offence, stealing the ball and finding Pepper for a layup to make it 30-27.

Neither side could build much separation, New Zealand moved four points clear with less than two minutes remaining in the half.

Perth’s persistence was rewarded in the closing stretch. Windler tied the scores with a floating basket through contact, then converted the free throw to put the Wildcats ahead.

Brandt followed with a steal in the final seconds, allowing Wagstaff to find Pepper for a layup just before the buzzer and a 41-38 half-time lead.

Second Half:

The Wildcats carried that finish into the third quarter, with Anthony Dell’Orso hitting two early threes from Doolittle assists.

Windler and Pepper also connected from beyond the arc as Perth stretched its lead to 53-43.

New Zealand responded through Mennenga and Mojave King, erasing the margin to draw level at 55-55 midway through the term.

Windler immediately answered with another three, and Perth continued to find timely baskets as the contest tightened.

When Mennenga cut the margin to two late in the quarter, Knight replied with his first three-pointer of the night.

Brandt added a three-point play in the closing seconds before a late Vasiljevic tip-in left Perth ahead 70-66 heading into the fourth.

After spending much of the night trying to shake the Breakers, the Wildcats found the separation they needed in the final term.

Wagstaff opened with a three and added a tip-in, while Windler’s step-back three helped keep New Zealand at arm’s length.

Pepper then connected from outside, breaking the game wide open as Windler took over.

A floating finish pushed Perth nine points clear, and the Wildcats’ persistence on the offensive glass created another opportunity for Windler to extend the margin to 12 with a three.

Dell’Orso maintained the pressure with steals on consecutive New Zealand possessions as the Breakers struggled to keep pace.

Two more Windler threes, both from Pepper assists, stretched the advantage to 94-76 with just over two minutes remaining and put the result firmly in Perth’s hands.

Windler added two free throws to complete his career-best scoring performance before the Wildcats’ younger players received time on the floor in the closing stages.

Cameron Huefner’s tip-in brought up the century as Perth completed a commanding finish to secure a fourth consecutive win at home in The Jungle.

Dylan Windler finished with player of the game honours and an NBL career-high 32 points and seven three-pointers, surpassing his previous best of 27 points and six threes.

He scored 18 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Wildcats’ decisive finish.

The win capped a successful Wildcats debut for Brandon Knight, who contributed at both ends as Perth secured its fourth straight victory.

BOX SCORES