Wildcats vs NZ Breakers Game Preview | Round 2 NBL27

The stage is set for another huge night at RAC Arena as the Perth Wildcats host the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday evening.

Less than 48 hours after Elijah Pepper’s stunning game-winner, the Wildcats return to the Jungle with an opportunity to turn a memorable win against the 36ers into early-season momentum.

The New Zealand Breakers arrive in Perth following a final-possession thriller of their own, having fallen three points short against the Brisbane Bullets in the first open-air NBL game staged in Queensland.

The Breakers led by 11 and controlled the opening 25 minutes before Brisbane swung the game late in the third quarter. NZ still found a way back, levelling the scores inside the final two minutes and forcing overtime in the closing seconds.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright led the Breakers with 26 points and seven assists, while DJ Vasiljevic scored 17 points and connected on four of his six attempts from beyond the arc.

Sam Mennenga added 12 points, five rebounds and three assists, with Mojave King contributing 11 points.

The battle on the glass looms as a major opportunity for Perth after New Zealand conceded 15 offensive rebounds and several second-chance opportunities against Brisbane.

At the other end, the Wildcats will look to build on the exciting, unselfish offence that saw all five starters score in double figures against Adelaide.

Head coach John Rillie said the Wildcats were at their best when playing with trust and involving everyone on the floor.

“When we apply ourselves, trust our teammates and share the ball, that’s how we have to play,” Rillie said.

“In different moments, we had different guys contributing, which was pleasing to see.”

Pepper believes the resilience shown on Thursday can give the group confidence whenever momentum shifts.

“Teams are going to make runs. Basketball is a game of ups and downs,” Pepper said.

“They made a run in the third quarter and at the end of the fourth as well, but we stuck together. I think that’s huge for this group.”

Both teams face a short turnaround, with the Breakers looking to respond from a narrow defeat and the Wildcats aiming to secure a second win in three days.

After Thursday night’s memorable finish, another exciting contest awaits in The Jungle.