Perth Wildcats Crush Brisbane Bullets with Dominant Third Quarter in NBL Clash

The New Year’s Day showdown between the Perth Wildcats and Brisbane Bullets at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre was a game of two halves—a tense, seesaw battle that exploded into a one-sided rout after halftime. Perth’s 95-75 win wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about a squad finding its identity mid-game and refusing to let adversity dictate their direction. Wildcats.com.au, ESPN, and official NBL coverage all highlighted the turning point: a third quarter that flipped the script and left the home crowd stunned.

Early on, it looked like the Wildcats might run away with it. Energized by Ben Henshall, who capped the first quarter with back-to-back buckets and a clutch three-pointer, Perth jumped out to a 25-16 lead. But the Bullets, under interim coach Darryl McDonald, weren’t ready to fold. They tightened up defensively, found rhythm offensively, and won the second quarter 28-15. At halftime, Brisbane held a 44-40 lead, buoyed by Jacob Holt’s passionate play off the bench—17 points, seven rebounds, and three assists that electrified his teammates.

The mood shifted dramatically after the break. Wildcats coach John Rillie had told his players not to let the score dictate their confidence, and that trust paid off. Perth locked in defensively, forcing the Bullets into rushed possessions and turnovers. Elijah Pepper caught fire from deep, stretching the floor and igniting a run. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, who had been clamoring for more touches in recent weeks, asserted himself in the paint, finishing with 17 points and eight rebounds, including five offensive boards that underscored his physicality.

The third quarter was a masterclass: Perth outscored Brisbane 31-11, flipping a four-point deficit into a commanding 71-55 lead. Suddenly, the contest was lopsided. The Wildcats’ defensive pressure was relentless—not just in on-ball matchups, but in collective off-ball effort. “Joe did a great job, Dave did a great job, Wags was important, but it was really the guys off the ball,” Rillie noted post-game. “When we’re locked in like that, it forces teams into tough shots and tough decisions.”

Brisbane, meanwhile, unraveled. The Bullets have endured a brutal season, hampered by injuries and roster instability. Tyrell Harrison, their bright spot early in the game, was forced out after a bloody head clash with teammate Mitch Norton. Import guard Hunter Maldonado watched from the sidelines, still awaiting clearance to play—a microcosm of the Bullets’ frustrating campaign. Javon Freeman-Liberty and Terry Taylor, two key imports, struggled to make an impact, combining for just 15 points.

McDonald, candid as ever, blamed “soft turnovers” for the second-half collapse but praised Holt’s energy. “The more he plays, the more he gets better and his energy is infectious,” he said. But with ten losses by at least 20 points this season, and the team dropping to 6-17, the Bullets are searching for answers. Freeman-Liberty’s hamstring is now another worry for a team already missing Casey Prather, Dakota Mathias, and Lamar Patterson.

Perth, on the other hand, showed resilience in the face of their own setbacks. With import guard David Duke Jr sidelined, the Wildcats leaned on their depth. Eight players finished with at least six points. Elijah Pepper’s three triples—all in the third quarter—were crucial. Ben Henshall continued his breakout campaign with 12 points, three assists, and three steals, while Dylan Windler and Kristian Doolittle contributed solid all-around numbers. David Okwera, often overlooked in the box score, made his presence felt with eight points, six rebounds, and four assists.

“I thought defensively we took a big jump,” said Henshall. “That’s where everything starts for us. When we’re getting after the ball, it flows into offence.” He’s taken on more responsibility with injuries mounting, stepping up alongside Pepper and others. “It sucks when a guy like Dave Duke Jr goes down, but it opens the door for others. Whether it’s me, Pep or someone else, we’re ready to step up.”

With the win sealed, Perth now looks ahead to a Sunday clash against the New Zealand Breakers. For the Bullets, the focus turns to recovery and regrouping—a team battered but still searching for its spark.

This match was a vivid illustration of how quickly momentum can shift in elite sport. Perth’s third-quarter surge wasn’t just a tactical adjustment—it was a psychological breakthrough, fueled by trust and collective belief. For Brisbane, the loss deepens a season-long struggle with injuries and inconsistency. The Wildcats’ ability to adapt, spread the scoring load, and defend as a unit sets them up as genuine contenders, while the Bullets face hard questions about resilience and depth moving forward.