'He's back': Cotton expodes for 33, 'Cats win

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basketball.com.au

'He's back': Cotton expodes for 33, 'Cats win

Bryce Cotton of the Wildcats looks positive during the round nine NBL match between Perth Wildcats and South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena, on November 15, 2024, in Perth, Australia. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Phoenix ire at lopsided foul count in 13-point loss

Bryce Cotton returns with 33 points to lead Perth Wildcats to victory
South East Melbourne Phoenix started strong but faded after first quarter
Controversial foul count disparity of 25-10 in Perth's favour

The Perth Wildcats humbled the South East Melbourne Phoenix 97-84 at RAC Arena on Friday night, with MVP Bryce Cotton making a stunning return from injury to score 33 points (Game Centre / Box Score).

Bryce Cotton of the Wildcats scores at the rim during the round nine NBL match between Perth Wildcats and South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena, on November 15, 2024, in Perth, Australia. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Cotton Dominates in Comeback Performance

Bryce Cotton reminded the NBL why he's considered the league's best player, pouring in 33 points in just 32 minutes after missing five games with a rib injury. The four-time MVP shot an efficient 13-of-14 from the free throw line and added 5 rebounds and 4 assists to lead Perth to victory.

Despite the Phoenix jumping out to an early 26-18 lead after the first quarter, Cotton caught fire in the second period. He scored 16 points as part of a 40-point quarter for the Wildcats that saw them turn an 8-point deficit into a 58-48 halftime advantage.

"Any time you get a win like that on your home floor it's good," said Wildcats coach John Rillie.

"The way that we clawed back and had that 12-point quarter defensively (third), that really set the tone for the rest of the game I felt."

Nathan Sobey of the Phoenix reacts to a call during the round nine NBL match between Perth Wildcats and South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena, on November 15, 2024, in Perth, Australia. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Foul Disparity Draws Criticism

The foul count was a major talking point, with Perth attempting 30 free throws compared to just 10 for South East Melbourne. Phoenix coach Josh King expressed frustration with the 25-10 foul disparity.

"I'll just state facts because I don't want to get fined, I believe the foul count was 12-1 in the second quarter and I've never seen anything like that," he said.

Tai Webster of the Wildcats dishes the ball during the round nine NBL match between Perth Wildcats and South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena, on November 15, 2024, in Perth, Australia. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Wildcats Depth Shines Through

While Cotton stole the show, the Wildcats also got strong contributions from their other imports. Dylan Windler knocked down 4-of-5 three-pointers en route to 20 points, while Kristian Doolittle chipped in 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

Their balanced attack was simply too much for the Phoenix.

The win improves Perth's record to 6-6 on season NBL25 as they prepare for a road matchup against the Brisbane Bullets on Sunday. Meanwhile, South East Melbourne drops to 5-8 heading into the FIBA break despite 27 points and 10 rebounds from Matt Hurt.

With Cotton back healthy and firing on all cylinders, the Wildcats will be looking to make a push up the NBL standings in the coming weeks. Their depth and star power were on full display in this impressive home victory over a Phoenix team that had been playing improved basketball of late.