The Perth Wildcats continued their strong performance on the road by defeating the New Zealand Breakers 96-86 at Spark Arena, with standout player Bryce Cotton scoring 41 points. This marked Cotton's fifth game of 40 or more points this season, showcasing his growth as the season progresses. The Wildcats are now 12-9, having won four out of their last five games during their grueling seven-game away stretch over the Christmas period.
The game was competitive, with the Breakers fighting back from trailing by as much as 13 points. A pivotal moment occurred late when Matt Mooney fouled out with just over four minutes remaining, which allowed the Wildcats to take charge, scoring 14 of the last 19 points to seal the match. Coach John Rillie praised his team’s effort, particularly their resilience against the emotional atmosphere of the game.
“It was great for us to show some resolve and they did a great job in the third quarter to make it a game,” Rillie expressed after the match. “For us to stay with it and not let the emotion get on top of us was key.”
The Breakers, though disappointing with another loss, showed promise, particularly from their star player Tacko Fall. The 229 cm giant scored 28 points and dictated play during the first half, but his output was stifled as the game wore on.
New Zealand had entered the game following their first victory in nine tries, having snapped their eight-game losing streak just days earlier. Mooney’s impressive display, contributing 28 points before fouling out, was sadly insufficient for the Breakers, who fell to 8-12 on the season.
The first quarter saw Fall and Cotton exchanging blows, but it quickly became apparent when Fall was on the bench, the Wildcats seized the opportunity. The Wildcats surged forward, ending the first quarter with a 30-24 lead, fueled by Cotton’s shooting touch and contributions from Todd Withers.
Despite the Breakers narrowing the deficit and taking the lead several times, they struggled to maintain momentum. Cotton's ability to perform under pressure was on display as he delivered 16 points just in the final quarter alone, demonstrating his fitness and conditioning playing pivotal roles as he closed the game.
“It all came down to fitness. We all play hard, but it’s about who is conditioned toward the end,” Cotton commented post-game. He emphasized the importance of making every possession count and how the team had learned to appreciate every part of the game.
The Wildcats' performance over this stretch of road games has not only improved their standings but also built confidence within the squad. Cotton noted, “We just have to recognize the significance of each possession and understand how small moments can change the course of the game.”
Despite not securing the wins they desired, Breakers coach Petteri Koponen lauded his team's effort, reflecting on the frustrations of losing close encounters. “We fought, we tried, and everybody stuck to the game plan. But then losing Mooney at such a key moment really hurt us,” he lamented.
The Wildcats’ next match is against the Tasmania JackJumpers, where they will aim to keep the momentum going. Their performance against New Zealand sets them up nicely for this challenge, and maintaining this winning form will be their key objective.
With the conclusion of the match, the Wildcats have successfully navigated their tough schedule with resilience, and the road shows no signs of letting up. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this cohesiveness and determination can carry Perth through the next part of their campaign.