Match Report: Wildcats vs 36ers Rnd14 NBL26

The Wildcats controlled large stretches of the opening half, leading for 23 minutes of the contest and building a nine-point advantage in the first quarter through strong contributions from Dylan Windler, Kristian Doolittle and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.

Jaron Rillie returned to the lineup during the first half, providing valuable minutes and stability as he worked his way back into game action. His return added another option to the rotation as Perth continued to apply pressure at both ends of the floor.

Momentum was briefly halted in the opening term when David Duke Jr exited the game with what appeared to be a hyperextension to his elbow, forcing an early reshuffle of rotations. Despite the disruption, Perth maintained their composure and carried a 49-46 lead into the main break.

The game shifted after half-time as Adelaide lifted their intensity and capitalised on transition opportunities. The 36ers found rhythm through Bryce Cotton, while Perth struggled to find consistency during a difficult third quarter stretch.

“We were just a little undisciplined late in the second quarter, which gave them some momentum heading into the break,” Wildcats Head Coach John Rillie said. “Then the third quarter wasn’t pretty from us.”

Rillie pointed to turnovers and missed opportunities as key factors in Adelaide’s surge.

“Our offence led to their offence. We couldn’t make shots for a stretch and they’re a dynamic team when they get out and run. We gave them those moments and they punished us.”

Adelaide outscored Perth 29-12 in the third quarter to open up a 17-point lead heading into the final term.

Despite the momentum swing, the Wildcats had a milestone moment to celebrate, with Kristian Doolittle bringing up 1,000 career NBL points during the third quarter. The forward continued to compete strongly on both ends as Perth looked to stay within reach.

Perth showed fight in the final quarter, with energy off the bench and positive contributions from Ben Henshall and Elijah Pepper helping to reduce the margin at stages. However, Adelaide responded to each push, maintaining control through composed execution and timely scoring.

Rillie acknowledged the challenges his group faced, particularly with rotations impacted by injuries.

“When you lose your primary ball handler early and have other guys on minute restrictions, it makes things difficult,” he said. 

Sunday Dech pointed to effort and preparation despite the result, in the post game press conference.

“It’s a team effort. The coaches prepare us well and when your number’s called, you’ve got to be ready,” Dech said. “They hurt us on the glass and in transition, and that’s where they made us pay.”

“But there were some really good moments from the guys who came in and gave us a spark.”

Doolittle led the Wildcats with 18 points, while Elijah Pepper added 12 points and three steals. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr finished with 11 points and three rebounds, and Dylan Windler contributed 10 points and five rebounds.

Henshall provided a spark with seven points and four assists, while Jaron Rillie recorded four points and two assists in his return.

In the end, the 36ers closed out the contest to claim a 95–84 victory, despite Perth leading for much of the afternoon and producing a strong first-half performance.

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