Match Report: Wildcats vs Phoenix Qualifier Final NBL26

The Perth Wildcats will have one more chance to keep their championship hopes alive after falling short to SEM Phoenix in the Seeding Qualifier at John Cain Arena.

The Wildcats showed early intent as Kristian Doolittle opened the game with a corner three in a fast-paced opening quarter. Both sides traded perimeter shots in the early stages, with Dylan Windler and Ben Henshall knocking down triples as the contest featured high energy and multiple lead changes.

However, turnovers proved costly for Perth. Several early giveaways allowed the Phoenix to create scoring opportunities in transition and apply sustained defensive pressure.

Doolittle continued to keep the Wildcats within reach midway through the term, drilling another three before captain Jesse Wagstaff provided an immediate spark off the bench with a three-pointer and a strong finish inside.

South East Melbourne capitalised on Perth’s mistakes late in the quarter, with Nathan Sobey hitting a deep three as the home side built momentum. David Duke Jr responded with a powerful dunk out of a Wildcats timeout, but the Phoenix maintained control to close the opening period with a 35–29 lead.

The second quarter began in difficult fashion for Perth, with an early turnover leading directly to Phoenix points. South East Melbourne continued to dictate the tempo and extended their lead to double figures as their pressure defence and offensive rebounding began to tell.

Henshall again steadied the Wildcats with a three, while Duke Jr provided valuable energy and scoring bursts. Despite Perth continuing to trade baskets late in the term, the Phoenix protected the ball effectively and converted consistently at the offensive end.

A three-point play from Sobey extended the margin before Clarke beat the halftime buzzer to give South East Melbourne a commanding 64–47 lead at the main break.

The Wildcats showed improved intent to open the second half. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr scored the first basket of the third quarter before Henshall and Windler attacked the rim to keep Perth pushing. Lual-Acuil added another strong finish inside before Doolittle ignited the Wildcats bench with a one-handed slam.

But every time Perth threatened to build momentum, the Phoenix responded. A long-range three from Foxwell halted the Wildcats’ run as South East Melbourne stretched the margin again. Late in the quarter the home side pushed the lead out to 20 points, taking an 86–64 advantage into the final term.

Perth showed fight early in the fourth quarter, producing a 10–2 run to cut the deficit back to 14 and force a Phoenix timeout. However, South East Melbourne steadied out of the break and rebuilt their lead to 20 midway through the period.

With just over three minutes remaining the result was effectively decided as the Phoenix rotated their bench, eventually closing out a 111–94 victory.

Kristian Doolittle led the Wildcats with 22 points and six rebounds, while Dylan Windler added 13 points and seven assists. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr finished with 11 points and six rebounds, with Ben Henshall and David Duke Jr also contributing 11 points apiece.

The result sees South East Melbourne advance to face the Adelaide 36ers in a best-of-three semi-final series.

For Perth, the season remains alive. The Wildcats will now turn their attention to the Play-In Game on Saturday night.

BOX SCORES

The Perth Wildcats return home to RAC Arena on Saturday to face the winner of Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers in a do or die clash, with the game scheduled for a 5pm tip-off.

Throw your support behind the Wildcats Red Army! 

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NBL26 FINALS. BUILT TO BE HERE.