Wildcats beat Breakers in NBL

Perth turned around a 16-point deficit to beat New Zealand by five points at RAC Arena.

NBL

Tai Wesley of the Breakers couldn't get his side home after a big NBL comeback by the Wildcats. (AAP)

The Perth Wildcats overcame the absence of MVP Bryce Cotton to stun New Zealand in their NBL clash at RAC Arena on Sunday.

The Breakers led for most of the game and by 16 in the first half.

But the Wildcats produced a 31-18 final term to win 91-86.

A Terrico White three-pointer with 2.50 minutes left on the clock gave the Cats the lead for the first time.

For much of the first half, the Breakers appeared to have overcome the foul troubles that have haunted them in recent weeks.

They fouled Perth 35 times to 18 on Friday night to lose in overtime.

At halftime on Sunday, the foul count was a more normal 7-7. By the end of the game though, it was 14-23 in favour of Perth - and the turn around hurt the Breakers.

The Wildcats added 14 points from the free-throw line after halftime, to New Zealand's three.

Breakers coach Kevin Braswell said he warned his team before the game what would happen if they didn't remain focused throughout.

"If you let them hang around, this is what can happen in the end," he said.

"You know these guys are not going to lay down.

"It's also hard to beat this team if you give up 19 offensive rebounds against them."

Perth go in to the break with a 10-1 record and with captain Damian Martin (calf) and Cotton (thumb) both expected to return for the clash with the Sydney Kings on December 6.

Nick Kay was again a huge presence for Perth. He continued his outstanding form to lead all scorers with 22 points and also chimed in with 22 rebounds.

White also contributed 21 points, including eight in the fourth term.

Jesse Wagstaff added all 13 of his points in the last 10 minutes.

Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson gave a good old-fashioned spray to his team at halftime and was happy with the way they responded.

"We had no right to win that game," he said.

"They jumped out to 10-0 run and we were pretty disappointed with the first half.

"It was more a pick-up basketball game; we just turned up.

"After halftime we were playing Wildcats basketball. It was pure heart and grit that got us over the line in the end."


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Source: AAP


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Wildcats beat Breakers in NBL | SBS News