The Perth Wildcats' troubling home-court form has hit a new low, suffering a third consecutive defeat at RAC Arena in a heart-stopping 77-76 loss to the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Thursday night.
A Frantic Final Sequence Seals Wildcats' Fate
In a chaotic finish, the game was decided in the final seconds. With the Phoenix inbounding for a potential game-winning shot, a foul was called on Perth's Dylan Windler, sending John Brown III to the free-throw line. After a failed challenge from Wildcats coach John Rillie, Brown made one free throw to bring his side within one point.
The drama wasn't over. Following the miss, Brown received the ball in the mid-range after Nathan Sobey was double-teamed and sank the clutch shot to put the Phoenix ahead. With no timeouts remaining and 94 feet to travel, the Wildcats were unable to get a final shot off before the buzzer sounded.
Collapse After a Strong Start
The defeat was particularly galling given Perth's commanding first-half performance. After a scrappy opening quarter where both teams entered the bonus early, the Wildcats locked down defensively. They held the Phoenix scoreless for the final five-and-a-half minutes of the second term, closing the half on a 10-0 run to establish a game-high 14-point lead at the main break.
However, as has been a recurring theme this season, they could not maintain that momentum after halftime. South East Melbourne exploded for 29 points in the third quarter, fueled by a sudden hot streak from beyond the arc. After hitting just two of fifteen three-pointers in the first half, they connected on five of nine in the third, with centre Jordan Hunter draining three of them.
Key Performances and Milestones
Despite the loss, David Duke jnr delivered a standout performance for the Wildcats, stuffing the stat sheet with 21 points, five assists, and three rebounds. Big man Jo-Lual Acuil managed 15 points and six rebounds in his 150th NBL game, a milestone overshadowed by the result.
For the Phoenix, the hero was John Brown III, a player the Wildcats had tried to recruit back in 2022 before FIBA clearance issues scuttled the move. His late-game composure proved decisive.
This loss compounds a difficult period for Perth, who now face a daunting road trip. This was their final home game before a stretch of five consecutive away matches, as RAC Arena prepares to host the United Cup over the next four weeks. The search for answers to their home-floor struggles becomes increasingly urgent.
