Usher the hero as Cats complete unbeaten Blitz

After trailing by as much as 17 points during the third quarter, the Wildcats produced a spirited last-term fightback to pinch a stunning 93-89 win over New Zealand.

First-year import Usher finished with a game-high 26 points including several clutch moments during his 16-point final term.

He hit a three-pointer with less than five minutes on the clock to give Perth the lead for the first time since the opening stages.

It was the first of eight lead changes in a frenetic finish, with the energetic forward also having his hand in the last when he stole the ball off his opponent before dunking it.

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The win still wasn't enough to claim the Blitz title from Melbourne United, who also finished unbeaten but won more quarters across the tournament.

Three-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton (21 points) was influential as usual, while Frenchman Alex Sarr (12) fellow recruit Keanu Pinder (13 rebounds) also had a massive impact.

With stalwart Jesse Wagstaff ruled out with a head knock, New Zealander Hyrum Harris got his first starting opportunity since arriving with the team earlier in the month.

The relentless Breakers were the bettter team early, jumping out to an 11-1 lead before a huge dunk from Pinder provided a spark for his side.

Sarr made some important plays at either end of the floor and Usher dropped 10 before half-time but the gap was still double digits for the majority of the opening half.

It was a see-sawing third term with the Wildcats getting back within to eight points on a few occasions, but New Zealand seemed to have the answers every time it got close to lead 69-59 with one to go.

Cotton continued to step up when his team needed it, nailing another clutch three before sending a scare into the Perth camp when he appeared to hurt his left knee, but bounced back to take his free throws.

The Wildcats' season opener is against Tasmania at RAC Arena on September 29 with tickets available via Ticketek.