Perth Wildcats Edge South East Melbourne Phoenix 92-88 in NBL Thriller

The Perth Wildcats secured a hard-fought 92-88 victory over the South East Melbourne Phoenix in a tense National Basketball League clash at RAC Arena on Friday, October 2, 2026. In a game that swung repeatedly across four quarters, Perth’s late-game execution and defensive composure proved the difference as the Wildcats protected home court in front of a loud Perth crowd.

Bryce Cotton led the Wildcats with a game-high 28 points, while Keanu Pinder delivered a powerful two-way performance inside. For South East Melbourne, Mitch Creek and Nathan Sobey kept the Phoenix within striking distance until the final minute, but the visitors were ultimately left to rue a handful of missed opportunities down the stretch.

Match Overview

Final score: Perth Wildcats 92, South East Melbourne Phoenix 88
League: National Basketball League
Venue: RAC Arena, Perth
Date: Friday, October 2, 2026

The Wildcats improved their early-season record with a win built on balanced scoring, physical rebounding, and timely stops. The Phoenix, meanwhile, showed why they remain a dangerous opponent in the NBL, pushing Perth to the final possession despite trailing for much of the second half.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

• First quarter: Perth 24, South East Melbourne 22
• Second quarter: Perth 21, South East Melbourne 25
• Third quarter: Perth 23, South East Melbourne 19
• Fourth quarter: Perth 24, South East Melbourne 22
• Final: Perth Wildcats 92, South East Melbourne Phoenix 88

South East Melbourne led 47-45 at halftime after a sharp second quarter, but Perth’s third-quarter surge shifted the momentum. The Wildcats outscored the Phoenix 23-19 in that period and carried a 68-66 advantage into the final ten minutes. From there, the game became a possession-by-possession battle, with neither team able to pull away until the closing seconds.

How the Game Unfolded

The Phoenix made the brighter start, opening with a 10-2 run behind Creek’s aggressive drives and Sobey’s pull-up shooting. Perth settled once Cotton found rhythm from beyond the arc, and Pinder’s interior finishing helped the Wildcats claw back into the contest. By the end of the first quarter, Perth had edged ahead 24-22.

The second quarter belonged to South East Melbourne. Alan Williams controlled the defensive glass, and the Phoenix used ball movement to generate open corner threes. A late triple from Sobey gave the visitors a two-point halftime lead, silencing the home crowd briefly and sending the teams into the locker rooms with the game firmly in the balance.

Perth responded after the break with one of their best defensive stretches of the night. Cotton and Kristian Doolittle combined for a 15-4 run that turned a narrow deficit into a 59-53 lead. The Wildcats forced turnovers, pushed the pace in transition, and attacked the rim with purpose. South East Melbourne steadied late in the third, but Perth still held the edge heading into the fourth.

Key Moments

• First-half spark: Nathan Sobey’s late three-pointer gave the Phoenix a 47-45 halftime lead.
• Third-quarter run: Perth’s 15-4 burst, fueled by Cotton and Doolittle, changed the game’s trajectory.
• Fourth-quarter resilience: South East Melbourne tied the score at 84-84 with under two minutes remaining.
• Clutch finish: Cotton knocked down key free throws, and Perth forced a decisive stop on the Phoenix’s final meaningful possession.
• Final margin: The Wildcats closed the game on an 8-4 run to seal the 92-88 win.

Tactical Story

Perth’s defensive pressure was the foundation of the win. The Wildcats forced 16 turnovers and converted them into 18 points, often catching South East Melbourne in transition after long rebounds. Perth also held a 44-38 advantage on the boards, with Pinder and Doolittle doing much of the heavy lifting inside.

South East Melbourne stayed in the game with three-point shooting, knocking down 14 triples as a team. Creek and Sobey repeatedly attacked closeouts, while Williams provided a steady presence in the paint. However, the Phoenix’s half-court offense stalled at critical moments in the fourth quarter, and Perth’s ability to contest without fouling proved crucial.

The Wildcats also won the bench battle, outscoring the Phoenix reserves 24-15. That depth allowed Perth to maintain energy on defense even when Cotton rested, a factor that loomed large in a game decided by four points.

Standout Players

Bryce Cot