THERE was nowhere to hide for Adelaide 36ers as the Perth Wildcats trio of Dylan Windler, Bryce Cotton and Keanu Pinder cut up their defence and combined for 68 points during a comprehensive 116-92 victory at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

After a tight first term, the 36ers still had hope of causing an upset, but once the Wildcats offence got going, there was no stopping them. In the final three quarters, Perth put up 90 points to 66 to run away with a 24-point win, ensuring Perth remained in contention for a top two spot.

It was as impressive of a win for the Wildcats as it was disappointing for the 36ers. Highlighted amongst the key stats was the Wildcats’ incredible long-range display as they dropped 21 of 43 (48 per cent) from three-point range, compared to the 36ers’ seven of 26 (26 per cent). Windler nailed six three-pointers, just one short of the 36ers’ total.

Perhaps the biggest tick for the Wildcats was the fact that Cotton did not need to drag his team across the line. Of course the multiple MVP was still among the best, putting up 21 points and hitting four of six from beyond the arc. He finished with a double-double of 12 assists, but did not recrod a rebound in the win.

However Windler did in a starring best-on performance, racking up eight rebounds, six assists and an incredible four blocks to do it all. His 24 points in 32 minutes included six of 11 from three-point range and two of three from inside the arc. He worked well with Pinder who starred off the bench picking up 23 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two steals in just 25 minutes on court.

The Wildcats were simply more efficient in every area. They shot more effectively, got to the line often, picked up 12 more rebounds (51-39), dished off 12 more assists (27-15) and punished the 36ers with second chance points (21-9). Though Adelaide did manage to put up 48 points in the paint, it was the home side’s really only avenue to scoring.

Of the 36ers, Kendric Davis continued his great NBL season form with 19 points, 10 assists, three rebounds and three steals, recording a double-double though only hitting one of six from three-point range. Dejan Vasiljevic (23 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals) top-scored for the home side, while Montrezl Harrell (13 points, seven rebounds) and Isaac Humphries (12 points, eight rebounds) tried hard all night.

Adelaide 36ers will only have 48 hours and lick their wounds and get back to action, heading to Sydney for a clash against the Kings at Qudos Bank Arena on Monday night. Perth’s win enables them to put the feat up for eight days before heading to New Zealand to tackle the Breakers.