FORWARD Kristian Doolittle proved to be the difference as the Perth Wildcats claimed a gutsy 13-point win over the New Zealand Breakers in the 2025/26 National Basketball League (NBL) action on Saturday night.

With the game still up for grabs at the final change, Doolittle was absolutely the game-winning factor when the Wildcats hosted the Breakers at RAC Arena in the final game of the day. The import dropped 15 points in the fourth quarter to steer his team to victory in a performance that handed the hosts their seventh win.

It marked Perth’s second consecutive win, breaking the streak of inconsistency that prevented the ‘Cats from truly cementing their place in the top two. The team from out west are true contenders this season, and Doolittle’s star turn showed another weapon they have in their arsenal moving forward in the fixture in the coming months.

Perth Wildcats (88) def. New Zealand Breakers (75)

It was a tight game throughout the first three quarters, with the Breakers taking it right up to the hosts at RAC Arena. In typical fashion, it was point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright who was leading the way for New Zealand, ensuring the visitors had consistent offensive production in enemy territory, as the Breakers looked to back up their massive win over the Brisbane Bullets a few days prior.

However, the Wildcats were winning the battle on the offensive boards, and earned plenty of trips to the free throw line in the process. Although it was not the prettiest method, it was getting the job done and keeping Perth in the fight, although the hosts would need a lift in the final frame if they were to overcome a brave Breakers outfit.

The answer came in the form of Doolittle, who had poured in just nine points over the first three quarters and was too quiet if the Wildcats were going to get the job done. He responded in terrific fashion, dropping 15 points in the last 10 minutes of the game, scoring at all three levels and dragging the home side to victory.

New Zealand’s offence fell short of finishing the job, and no one was able to slow the hot hand of Doolittle, who was unstoppable in the final 10 minutes of the match, whether it was finishing inside or pulling up for long range shots, and the Breakers simply did not have the answers down the other end as the Wildcats stormed home.

He finished the match with 24 points on 9/18 shooting from the field to go with 14 rebounds, two assists and two steals in what was undeniably a match-winning performance. He stepped up when New Zealand hit the front and put the hosts on his back on the offensive end in his best performance in the NBL.

Big man David Okwera was important off the bench, dropping 14 points and six boards on 6/7 shooting from the field, while import David Duke Jr. was solid in the starting lineup with 12 points of his own, as was Elijah Pepper with his 13-point outing.

The Breakers were well-led by Jackson-Cartwright in defeat, with the dynamic guard dropping 22 points and nine assists on 8/18 shooting from the field. He was the reason they were in the game in the first place and delivered another strong offensive outing.