$50K reason why Bryce Cotton took it personally

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basketball.com.au

$50K reason why Bryce Cotton took it personally

MVP in waiting Bryce Cotton single-handedly took apart the Tasmania JackJumpers in Round 16 of NBL25 at MyState Arena in Hobart on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Photo: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Highlights

Wildcats in Summer Shootout poll position

Bryce Cotton solidifies his MVP candidacy in NBL25
Perth hammer JackJumpers by 32
Wildcats win five of their last six

Perth Wildcats choose the defending NBL champions Tasmania Jackjumpers as their Summer Shootout mark — Bryce Cotton took it personally.

Soon-to-be five-time NBL MVP Cotton went 8-from-12 field, including 7-from-9 from three, in 17:55 minutes in a 26-point first half demolition of the JackJumpers defense.

The Wildcats led 64-42 at the main break. The thought of another improbable comeback by the JackJumpers was fleeting as Perth executed their sets as Tasmania went on a mini-run.

"That was one of the best performances I have seen by a visiting team against Scott Roth here in Hobart," said Derek Rucker.

Perth were never challenged, winning 105-73. Cotton didn't play in the fourth quarter.

Bryce Cotton of the Wildcats changes direction during the round 16 NBL match between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Perth Wildcats at MyState Bank Arena, on January 12, 2025, in Hobart. Photo: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Wildcats head coach John Rillie put the cue in the rack midway through the fourth quarter with Perth up by more than 30, risking the Summer Shootout $50,000 prize for the highest road score in January. The Wildcats lead the Shootout by two points.

The Wildcats set the tone early, racing out to a 29-22 lead after the first quarter behind Cotton's hot hand. Perth's suffocating defense and efficient offense continued to widen the gap in the second period, as they took a commanding 64-42 advantage into halftime. Any hopes of a JackJumpers comeback were quickly extinguished in the third quarter, with the Wildcats extending their lead to as much as 39 points.

Milton Doyle of the Jackjumpers drives to the basket during the round 16 NBL match between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Perth Wildcats at MyState Bank Arena, on January 12, 2025, in Hobart. Photo: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Perth's balanced attack overwhelmed Tasmania on both ends of the floor. The Wildcats shot a blistering 51% from the field while holding the JackJumpers to just 34% shooting. Perth dominated the glass, out-rebounding Tasmania 50-39, and their ball movement was crisp with 24 assists compared to just 16 for the JackJumpers.

The stat sheet highlighted Perth's thorough control of the contest. They outscored Tasmania 50-34 in the paint, had a 23-8 edge in fast break points, and converted 18 points off turnovers. The Wildcats' bench more than held their own, matching Tasmania's reserves with 37 points.

Bryce Cotton was in a class of his own, finishing with 32 points on 10-of-19 shooting to go along with nine assists. He was lethal from beyond the arc, connecting on 7 of his 14 three-point attempts.

Cotton had plenty of support, with five other Wildcats scoring in double figures. Dylan Windler posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Hyunjung Lee provided a spark off the bench with 12 points on perfect 6-of-6 shooting.

For Tasmania, Milton Doyle led the way with 15 points, but shot just 6-of-15 from the field as the JackJumpers struggled to find any offensive rhythm. Jack Crawford added 16 points off the bench in a losing effort.