The Perth Wildcats have found a familiar way to win, staving off an ill-disciplined New Zealand Breakers 98-93 in overtime to stretch their NBL lead.
No fewer than five Breakers players fouled out in Saturday's physical clash in Auckland before the Wildcats dominated their arch rivals in the extra period.
The scores were locked 84-84 at the end of regular time after the Breakers fought back from a 13-point deficit in the third quarter but they couldn't maintain their charge, barely able to field five players in the closing minutes.
Perth's sixth straight win lifted them to 9-1 and mirrored their previous-start win over the Taipans in Cairns, also by five points in overtime.
It was a third straight loss for the Breakers (4-6) whose hopes took a huge blow when key guard Corey Webster and centre Shawn Long fouled out in successive plays early in the fourth quarter.
An out-of-sorts Webster had contributed just three points but Long was a big loss, having led their scoring at that stage with 17 points and provided aggression under the hoop.
Tai Wesley finished with 19 points but fouled out late, along with captain Tom Abercrombie and American Armani Moore.
The Wildcats reaped the rewards, landing 34 of 43 foul shots while the Breakers sunk 15 from 18.
Perth's first win at Spark Arena for more than five years was built around 24 points from reigning MVP Bryce Cotton, 23 from fellow-guard Mitch Norton and 20 from Nick Kay.
Cotton left the court in pain near the end having suffered an apparent thumb injury but it didn't require treatment.
Captain Greg Hire played the second half with heavy head bandaging after copping Long's elbow early on.
It continued Perth's joust with injuries.
They were again without Damian Martin and Angus Brandt because of leg issues although import Terrico White made his return from a hamstring strain and unfurled 16 points.
