Perth Wildcats Triumph Over Adelaide 36ers Despite Bryce Cotton's Hot Shooting

In a thrilling NBL showdown on Sunday, the Perth Wildcats outlasted the Adelaide 36ers 94-87, overcoming a scorching shooting display from former star Bryce Cotton, who hit seven three-pointers in his first game against his old team.

The match drew a record crowd of 10,029 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, marking one of the most anticipated encounters of the 2025/26 season. Cotton, now wearing Adelaide colors after his sensational off-season move from Perth, showcased flashes of his brilliance — but the Wildcats’ balanced team effort proved too strong.

Cotton’s Mixed Night Against His Former Team

Cotton took nearly seven minutes to score but then found his rhythm, finishing with 23 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals. His 7-of-13 performance from beyond the arc kept Adelaide in contention throughout. However, his struggles inside the paint (just 1-of-11 shooting) and the Wildcats’ tight defense limited his overall impact.

Interestingly, Cotton didn’t attempt a single free throw, underscoring how effectively Perth disrupted his drives. The Wildcats’ new import David Duke Jr., a fellow Providence alum, played a crucial defensive role in containing the five-time MVP.

Team Effort Powers Wildcats to Victory

The Wildcats once again demonstrated depth and composure under pressure. They had five players score in double figures, extending their dominance over the 36ers to seven straight wins, including four consecutive victories in Adelaide.

• Dylan Windler led the charge with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists.
• Kristian Doolittle fueled a decisive 14-2 fourth-quarter run, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.
• David Duke Jr. added 16 points and four assists, while Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. chipped in 13 points, six rebounds, and two blocks.
• Jaron Rillie rounded out the effort with 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

This collective performance lifted Perth to a 6-5 record, while the Sixers dropped to 7-3.

Rebounding Battle Turns the Tide

Rebounding proved to be the game’s turning point. After narrowly winning the first quarter 18-17, Adelaide struggled to control the boards. Perth dominated the second quarter on rebounds 14-4, including 8-2 on offensive glass, with Windler’s hustle setting the tone.

Despite a late push and two free throws from Matt Kenyon helping the Sixers edge ahead 45-44 at halftime, the momentum gradually shifted toward Perth.

A Seesaw Contest Before Wildcats’ Strong Finish

The intensity didn’t dip after the break, with 35 lead changes across the first three quarters. Cotton’s fifth three-pointer on the third-quarter buzzer gave Adelaide a 76-72 lead, sending the home fans into a frenzy.

But the Wildcats remained poised. Cotton hit two more long-range bombs early in the fourth to stretch Adelaide’s lead to six, their biggest of the game — before the 36ers suddenly went ice cold, missing 12 of their next 13 shots.

Perth capitalized on the drought with a disciplined offensive stretch, highlighted by Doolittle’s strong finishing around the rim. Adelaide’s Isaac White briefly cut the lead to three with a corner three in the final minute, but missed a potential game-tying shot from the same spot with 15 seconds left.

What’s Next

The 36ers now travel to MyState Bank Arena to face the Tasmania JackJumpers on Thursday, aiming to bounce back quickly. Meanwhile, the Wildcats return home to host the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday night, seeking to continue their resurgence.

Final Scores:
Adelaide 36ers 87 – Cotton 23, Rakocevic 15, White 15, Humphries 13
Perth Wildcats 94 – Windler 18, Duke Jr. 16, Doolittle 16, Lual-Acuil Jr. 13

The Wildcats’ victory wasn’t just about revenge — it was about resilience, balance, and proving that even against their former superstar, teamwork triumphs over individual brilliance.