American guard Bryce Cotton erupted for 36 points to lead reigning NBL champions Perth to a 99-91 victory in Wollongong on Sunday.
As was the case in last year's grand final series between the two sides, the Hawks couldn't thwart Cotton, who stole the show with his season-high haul.
The Wildcats boosted their record to 10-3 - joining the New Zealand Breakers at the top of the ladder - while Illawarra slipped to 5-8.
"We were getting Bryce some consistent open looks," Perth coach Trevor Gleeson said.
"He knocked down his first four and it's kind of a no-brainer for the coach to get him the ball.
"Probably points-wise (it was his best game) but he does other things for us. We had to do a better job of finding him in the right spots and we're doing that."
Perth were ahead at every change, taking a 71-64 lead into the final quarter and keep the Hawks at arm's length down the stretch.
Derek Cooke Jr notched 19 points and seven rebounds off the bench for the Wildcats, while JP Tokoto finished with 13 points after a quiet first half.
Dimitrius Conger led the home team with 30 points and Rotnei Clarke added 12.
Cotton had his eye in early, sinking his first four shots for a 12-point haul in the opening period.
The Hawks were paced by Conger's nine points and had their noses in front before Cotton drained a pair of free throws in the closing seconds for a 25-24 quarter-time lead.
The second period followed the same script as the first, with the lead constantly changing hands.
Cotton was held scoreless before hitting a three-point bomb a minute before halftime as the Cats took a 46-44 into the second half.
Perth gradually overpowered the Hawks in the second half to stay on track for a 33rd straight playoff appearance.
The Hawks host Melbourne United in round 10 on Saturday night, while the Wildcats have a Saturday home game against Brisbane.
"We put ourselves in a position (to win) but had some minor breakdowns in the second half and they punish you on that," Hawks coach Rob Beveridge said.
"We're playing against a quality side and you have to have that consistency and attention to the little details for 40 minutes. We had a lack of communication at times.
"We're getting there. We're so close to being good."
The Hawks host Melbourne United in round 10 on Saturday night, while the Wildcats have a Saturday home game against Brisbane.
Share
