Wildcats end road stint with dominant win over 36ers

The Wildcats made it two wins from three during their week-long stint away from home, defying a tough schedule to solidify second spot on the ladder.

Superstar Bryce Cotton top-scored once again, finishing with 24 points and six assists, while fellow import Kristian Doolittle’s strong form continued with 19 and five rebounds.

In their third game in six days, head coach John Rillie put every available player on the court with David Okwera making the most of his opportunity with a promising performance.

Doolittle’s red-hot form continued in the first quarter after a Boxing Day double-double against Cairns, racking up a game-high 12 points – mainly from his ever-reliable jump shot - to give Perth 34-29 advantage.

It was a new-look five starting the second quarter with only Tai Webster on the floor as development player Michael Harris and Okwera got some valuable court time.

Harris, known for his shooting, showed another string to his bow with a couple of excellent defensive stops, as the Wildcats continued their ascendancy.

Youngster Ben Henshall also got on the floor as Cotton got an extended rest his 45 and 38 minutes on the court in his last two games.

Alex Sarr (12 points) was 100 per cent from the field in the first half on the way to nine points as the Wildcats extended their buffer to 54-48 at half-time.

After just two points in the second term, Cotton caught fire to start the third with 11 points in four minutes including three triples.

Captain Jesse Wagstaff (11 points) joined the party with back-to-back threes of his own as the visitors’ lead jumped out to 25 by three-quarter time.

The 36ers were the better side in the final quarter but the damage was well and truly won as Perth completed their ninth win in 11 matches.

Henshall made sure the Wildcats reached triple figures, hitting both of his free throws with 9.4 seconds to go.

The Wildcats don’t play again until January 7 when they take on New Zealand Breakers in Auckland.