Wildcats Claim Opening Blitz Win in Thriller Over United

The game began at a frenetic pace, with Melbourne United striking first before Perth Wildcats import Dylan Windler answered immediately with a deep three. The Wildcats’ defensive energy was on display early, with steals from Ben Henshall and Dante Russo-Nance setting the tone.

The first quarter belonged to Ben Henshall who provided the highlight of the opening term, shaking Dash Daniels with a slick move before draining a jump shot, then finishing the quarter with a big three to give Perth a 23–17 lead at the break.

Henshall stayed hot through the second quarter, leading all scorers with 12 points at the half while shooting a remarkable 71% from the field. Windler added 10 points of his own, including a late dunk off a Jesse Wagstaff offensive rebound that sent Perth into halftime ahead 44–39.

Melbourne tightened the screws after the main break, with Tyson Walker and Tom Wilson helping drag their side back into the contest. The third quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle, the two sides trading baskets in a fiery contest that had the neutral Canberra crowd on its feet.

At the final change, nothing could separate the sides, locked at 68 - 68 and setting up a blockbuster finish.

Melbourne drew first blood in the fourth, but David Okwera swung momentum back with an emphatic and-one play. Elijah Pepper then nailed a long-range three before Kristian Doolittle and Wagstaff steadied the ship down the stretch.

With the game tied at 78–78 inside the final 90 seconds, Doolittle calmly sank two free throws before Wagstaff used all of his veteran savvy to ice the result with a crucial bucket, stretching the margin beyond reach.

Perth held firm defensively to close out the 84–78 win, beginning their Blitz campaign in style.

• Ben Henshall: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals (5/7 FG in the first half alone) setting the tone early.

• Dylan Windler: 10 first-half points, finishing with 12 points, 2 steals, and a highlight dunk late in the half.

• Kristian Doolittle & Jesse Wagstaff: Delivered in the clutch, combining for key free throws and buckets in the dying moments.

The win gives the Wildcats a strong platform to build from as preparations continue for NBL26.