Wildcats stun Kings on the road in Wagstaff's 500th
2 Feb
1
min read


The Wildcats silenced the 15,000-plus crowd at Qudos Bank Arena, leading from start to finish to prevail 104-97 their second win in three days to complete an impressive Round 19.
The win lifts Perth above the Kings in third spot on the NBL ladder with a 17-11 record with one regular-season game left against Adelaide at RAC Arena next Friday night.
The Wildcats had six players in double digits - including all five starters - in an even team performance.
Four-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton led the way with 30 points to go with four steals.
Tai Webster (12 points and three assists) was energetic off the bench as he builds form after a long injury absence.
Big men Keanu Pinder (12 points and 10 rebounds) and Kristian Doolittle (16 and eight) continued their strong back end of the season.
Import Dylan Windler was another big performer, finishing with 14 points and a game-high six steals.
Wagstaffs in the house. ❤️
— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) February 2, 2025
Jesse’s mum and sister are among the travelling party from Canberra to Sydney for the special occasion! pic.twitter.com/QQYrKCY45j
The major differential in the rebounds (46-37), offensive rebounds (23-10) and second-chance points (23-10) counts would’ve also pleased coach John Rillie.
In his second game back from an eye injury, Windler drained an early corner three to get his confidence up after a nice assist from Ben Henshall who was already on the board.
Cotton then had his first points with a short-range floater before an and-one from Henshall.
Windler had his second triple midway through the opening term, this time from way downtown.
Doolittle’s and-one put the Wildcats up 18-8 with 5:30 to go before quarter-time.
Sydney hit back with a run of their own before late three-pointers from Elijah Pepper and Cotton got it back out to a 32-21 lead by quarter-time.
Wagstaff checked in for his 500th game to start the second quarter, in front of family from Canberra.
Wagstaffs in the house. ❤️
— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) February 2, 2025
Jesse’s mum and sister are among the travelling party from Canberra to Sydney for the special occasion! pic.twitter.com/QQYrKCY45j
His longest current teammate Cotton turned it on not long after, with seven points in less than three minutes to jump to a game-high 12.
Henshall was also in everything, jumping for offensive rebounds and driving to the basket to join Cotton in double digits.
Leading 56-48 at half-time, Windler made it three from three from long-range to put the Wildcats up by 11 early in the third.
The Wildcats were dominating the offensive-rebound count and making the most of it with plenty of second-chance points.
Webster was having a real impact at both ends of the floor in his second back from a hamstring issue.
With the Kings coming back late in the quarter, Wagstaff drew a trademark charge at one end before hitting a three at the other to get the margin back out to 10.
Cotton knocked back his fifth three just before three-quarter time to take his tally to 21 and the Wildcats’ advantage to 85-74.
BC on the buzzer. 🎯
— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) February 2, 2025
Watch live on ESPN & 10. pic.twitter.com/ZXNcl7jVJb
That lead was up to 15 by early in the final term as MVP Jaylen Adams fouled out for the Kings.
It didn’t get below double digits in the last as the Wildcats enjoyable a memorable and important victory on the road.

29 Aug
How to watch Wildcats' Japan series live

29 Aug
Ex-Wildcat Travers signs two-way deal with Cavs

28 Aug
Wildcats touch down in Japan ahead of historic series

27 Aug
Windler on whirlwind trip, NBL25 hopes
Dylan Windler

26 Aug
Wildcats great embarks on incredible journey for suicide prevention

25 Aug
Young guns shine as Wildcats defeat NBL1 West Select
Ben Henshall
David Okwera
Elijah Pepper
Thomas Gerovich

25 Aug
Pepper reflects on memorable debut against NBL1 West

23 Aug
Pepper, Cotton star as Wildcats down NBL1 West Select

23 Aug
Wildcats complete NBL25 roster with ex-NBA sharpshooter
Dylan Windler

23 Aug
Wildcats, HIF take partnership to record 15 years

22 Aug
Series preview: Wildcats v NBL1 West Select

22 Aug
New Wildcats DP Gerovich's juggling act

22 Aug
Wildcats' nod to proud history as NBL25 jerseys revealed

21 Aug
'Dream come true': Academy product Gerovich earns Wildcats DP spot
Thomas Gerovich

16 Aug
Wildcats' opponents revealed in NBL1 West clashes

14 Aug
Wildcats welcome Mark Arena as new owner
Support your team with the latest gear
Grab your latest team releases before they're gone.

Get the latest Team Updates
Breaking news & special offers. Direct to your inbox.


