Rnd12 Match Report: Wildcats vs Bullets NBL26

The Perth Wildcats secured an 86–62 road win over the Brisbane Bullets at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, building a decisive first-half lead before controlling the game across the final two quarters.

Perth set the tone early with defensive intent, forcing Brisbane into difficult possessions and limiting clean looks at the rim. While neither side found a consistent offensive rhythm in the opening minutes, the Wildcats’ ability to generate second chances and move the ball efficiently allowed them to edge ahead.

Ben Henshall provided early energy, attacking the paint and finishing in transition, while David Duke Jr and Dylan Windler helped stretch the floor as Perth closed the first quarter with a 22–13 lead.

The Bullets looked to respond in the second term by increasing their physicality, with Terry Taylor and Tyrell Harrison working inside to apply pressure on the Wildcats’ interior defence. Brisbane briefly found momentum, but Perth remained patient, continuing to create open looks through ball movement rather than forcing shots.

Jesse Wagstaff delivered a steady influence during key stretches, while Sunday Dech knocked down a timely three to halt a Bullets run. Elijah Pepper’s aggression off the dribble added another dimension to the Wildcats’ offence, drawing fouls and keeping Brisbane’s defence occupied.

Perth closed the half strongly, capitalising on turnovers and offensive rebounds to push the margin to 49–34 at the main break. While the scoring remained balanced, the Wildcats’ defensive discipline and ability to limit Brisbane’s transition opportunities proved the difference.

Brisbane emerged from halftime with improved intent, but the Wildcats were able to absorb the early push. The third quarter developed into a grinding, physical period, with scoring harder to come by for both sides.

Henshall delivered a pivotal stretch midway through the term, producing consecutive steals that led to back-to-back finishes at the rim, swinging momentum back in Perth’s favour just as Brisbane threatened to close the gap.

Kristian Doolittle added a three from the perimeter, while Windler finished in transition as Perth re-established control.

Despite Brisbane’s efforts to stay within striking distance, the Wildcats consistently found answers. Lual-Acuil Jr continued to impact the game on the glass, creating extra possessions and protecting the rim, as Perth took a 65–49 advantage into the final quarter.

The fourth term followed a similar pattern, with Brisbane attempting to generate a run while Perth focused on execution and defensive stability. Windler opened the quarter with a three, Doolittle converted through contact, and Duke Jr added timely scoring to prevent the Bullets from gaining any sustained momentum.

As the margin stretched beyond 20 midway through the period, the Wildcats maintained their composure, using the clock effectively and keeping defensive pressure high. Perth’s depth allowed them to rotate players without a drop in intensity, while Brisbane struggled to find clean scoring options late.

Lat Mayen added a late basket, and the Wildcats closed out the contest with control rather than urgency, finishing with a 24-point victory that reflected four quarters of consistent effort.

While not a dominant performance in all phases, it was a professional road win with Henshall’s impact at both ends proved influential.

The Perth Wildcats closed out a strong road performance with an 86–62 win over the Brisbane Bullets at Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

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