SIX WILDCATS scored in double figures as Perth took down the Kings in a pivotal matchup that sent Sydney down to fifth and saw the victors reclaim third spot on the NBL25 ladder. 

Bryce Cotton scored 30 points for the 11^th time this season, as he increased his season scoring average to 27.7 per game (28.9 per game is you remove the zero points he scored in two injury affected minutes in Round 5). It’s a career high scoring season for Cotton, who is staring down the barrel of a fifth NBL MVP award. As important as this game was for the Wildcats to remain in the hunt of the top two, Cotton played all 40 minutes and took 28 shots.

Dylan Windler’s second game back from an eye injury was extremely productive, as he scored 14 points and collected six steals. Kristian Doolittle scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Ben Henshall added 11 points.

Keanu Pinder remained in the starting role that John Rillie reverted to against the Phoenix, and once again posted a double-double as he continues his best stretch of the season. Pinder posted 12 points, 10 rebounds and dished out three assists. 

In two games since returning from a hamstring injury, Tai Webster has put up 20 points and seven assists off the bench. Jesse Wagstaff became the 14^th person in NBL history to reach 500 games, an incredible achievement forged over 16 seasons. He nailed his only shot from the field, a long range hit that sent cheers across the city of Perth. He will be celebrated upon the Wildcats’ return to Western Australia for Friday’s game against the Adelaide 36ers. 

The Kings shot the ball much more efficiently than Perth, but gave up 24 points from 15 turnovers (more than double the Wildcats’ seven) and 19 offensive rebounds.

Though Xavier Cooks stuffed the stat sheet with eight points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals, the only starters to really get going offensively were Cameron Oliver who scored 22 points to go with 10 rebounds, and Next Star Alex Toohey who scored 23 points, collected five rebounds and blocked three shots. Toohey continues to ascend up draft board right across the USA ahead of the NBA Draft. 

Sydney was boosted by Kouat Noi’s 24 point outburst from the bench, but star point guard Jaylen Adams had a night to forget, fouling out in less than 15 minutes with a career-low one point, and no rebounds for just the second time in his career.

Heading into the final round of hoops, Perth has given itself a chance, albeit slim, at finishing first or second on the table, depending on results from Melbourne United and the Illawarra Hawks.

To finish first, Illawarra would need to drop games against the New Zealand Breakers on Wednesday and Sydney on Friday by considerable margins, whilst Perth would need to beat Adelaide handsomely on Friday as well. A win against Adelaide and a SEM Phoenix win over Melbourne on Saturday would see the Wildcats finish second, provided that they make up about a 25-point margin. 

Sydney is locked into the play-in tournament regardless of results, but can still finish anywhere between third and fifth. A win against Illawarra in the last round however could still affect the final ladder as Round 20 shapes up as one of the most exhilarating finishes to an NBL season yet.