NBL27 Round 7 Match Report | Wildcats vs Kings

The Perth Wildcats fought back from a 25-point deficit to get within four in the final term, with the Sydney Kings holding on for a 99-91 Ignite Cup win at RAC Arena.

Perth lifted after halftime, winning the third and fourth quarters to collect two Ignite Cup ladder points, however couldn't complete the comeback after the Kings’ hot start.

Brandon Knight led Perth with 27 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Elijah Pepper added 17 points and Dylan Windler finished with 16. Kristian Doolittle collected a game high 15 rebounds.

Sydney made the early run, scoring the first 10 points and forcing the Wildcats to chase the game from the opening minutes.

Windler provided Perth’s first points, while Anthony Dell’Orso brought energy off the bench, but the Kings’ outside shooting helped them establish a 33-17 lead at quarter time.

The Wildcats began to find their rhythm in the second, with Knight creating scoring opportunities and Windler and Doolittle helping cut the deficit to 11.

Sydney answered that challenge, capitalising on Perth turnovers and putting together another strong stretch to push the margin to 25 late in the half.

An important response before the break kept the Wildcats in touch. Pepper connected on two threes before Cameron Huefner added another in the final seconds, reducing the deficit to 59-42 at halftime.

The Wildcats began to turn the game after halftime, lifting their defensive pressure and finding more scoring options as Sydney’s lead gradually narrowed.

Knight was central to the response, attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line, while Pepper and Windler knocked down important threes. Perth cut the deficit to six late in the third before Sydney answered to lead 80-70 at the final break.

The momentum swung back towards the Wildcats to start the fourth. Huefner and Knight scored inside before Doolittle found Windler for a layup, completing a 6-0 run that brought Perth within four with 7:29 remaining.

Craig steadied Sydney with consecutive jumpers, helping the visitors rebuild their lead as the Wildcats searched for another surge.

Knight and Pepper kept Perth in pursuit with late threes, with Pepper’s second cutting the margin to six with 21 seconds to play.

Rillie then drew an offensive foul from Davis to give the Wildcats another chance, but Perth’s next shot wouldn't fall and Carr sealed the result at the free throw line.

BOX SCORES

Perth Wildcats

Brandon Knight led Perth with 27 points, while Kristian Doolittle collected a game high 15 rebounds.

• Brandon Knight: 27 points, five rebounds and four assists.
• Elijah Pepper: 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals.
• Dylan Windler: 16 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals.
• Kristian Doolittle: Six points, 15 rebounds and three assists.

Sydney Kings

Torrey Craig and Kendric Davis combined for 50 points, with Davis finishing one assist short of a double double.

• Torrey Craig: 26 points and five rebounds.
• Kendric Davis: 24 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals.
• Andrew Carr: 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and three steals.
• Makuach Maluach: 14 points and two rebounds.

The Wildcats now turn their attention to the Illawarra Hawks as they look to bounce back at RAC Arena on Saturday evening.