The Perth Wildcats continued their strong start to 2026 with a composed 99-91 road win over the New Zealand Breakers at Spark Arena.
The Wildcats opened with good structure and ball movement, taking a 28-23 lead at the first break.
Jaron Rillie provided a spark off the bench in the opening term as he stepped into the traditional point guard role, Rillie control the pace while scoring efficiently, including a late step back three that capped a strong first quarter.
New Zealand lifted its intensity in the second quarter, applying pressure and forcing turnovers to claw back the margin.
Parker Jackson-Cartwright began to find space, while Tai Webster made an impact against his former side. Karim Lopez and Sam Mennenga added presence around the rim as the Breakers briefly edged in front.
Perth steadied through Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler. Doolittle led the Wildcats’ scoring through the first half, finding points through physical finishes and trips to the line. While Windler delivered timely shot making and control on the glass.
The Wildcats closed the half with composure to take a 48-45 lead into the main break.
Coming out of half time Perth created separation with a sharp shooting display from beyond the arc.Â
Early threes from Elijah Pepper, Doolittle and Ben Henshall stretched the margin and put pressure back on the Breakers.
New Zealand managed to stay connected through effort plays and second chance points. The Wildcats consistently answered however to extend their lead to 80-74 heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter tested Perth’s resolve. New Zealand closed the gap through continued pressure, Mennenga and Jackson Cartwright led the charge. The Breakers repeatedly reduced the margin to single digits, forcing Perth to execute late.
Jaron Rillie played a key role down the stretch, earning trips to the line and finishing strongly in the paint.
Jo Lual Acuil Jr provided crucial finishes around the rim and Windler’s work on the boards proved vital in limiting second chances. Elijah Pepper sealed the result at the foul line in the closing moments as Perth maintained separation to the final buzzer.
Doolittle led the Wildcats with 21 points on efficient shooting, adding three assists in another strong all round performance.
Jo Lual Acuil Jr finished with 20 points and six rebounds, while Dylan Windler recorded 17 points and 10 rebounds, knocking down four triples.
Jaron Rillie added 13 points and four assists off the bench, with Pepper contributing 13 points and David Okwera providing 11 points and four rebounds in an energetic outing.
The win makes it two from two to open the new year for Perth and reinforces the Wildcats’ ability to execute under pressure on the road.Â
The Wildcats will now return home to Perth before heading back on the road to take on South East Melbourne Phoenix in Melbourne on January 10.