Kristian did a whole lot in Perth's 7-point win

• Perth finally back home, get tough seven-point win against 36ers
• Kristian Dolittle posts 27-10 double-double
• Perth moves to 15-9, Adelaide drops to 10-13

Perth's Kristian Doolittle did a whole lot to extend the Wildcats winning streak to five games with a hard-fought 110-103 (Game Centre) victory win the Adelaide 36ers at RAC Arena on Friday, January 18, 2025 in round 17 of NBL25.

Doolittle's stellar performance on both ends of the court proved the difference, as he led the Wildcats with 27 points and 10 rebounds in front of a sold-out crowd.

The Wildcats, playing their first home game since December 6, 2024 came into the match riding a hot streak, having won six of their last seven on the road. From the outset, it was clear this would be a tight affair, with Adelaide's Kendric Davis lighting up the scoreboard early with 21 first-half points.

Perth seized control in the second quarter, outscoring the 36ers 30-17 to take a commanding 52-41 lead into the halftime break. Despite an uncharacteristically quiet night from superstar Bryce Cotton, who managed just seven points on 3-from-13 from the field in the first half, the Wildcats' depth shone through.

Elijah Pepper provided a crucial spark off the bench, knocking down a pair of three-pointers to help build the lead.

The 36ers refused to go quietly, mounting a spirited comeback in the second half. DJ Vasiljevic caught fire, pouring in 20 of his 23 points after the interval, including five three-pointers. Montrezl Harrell also came alive, scoring 15 of his 19 points in the second half as Adelaide clawed their way back into it.

The game hung in the balance midway through the fourth quarter, with the Wildcats' lead trimmed to just a single point. It was then that Doolittle took over, showcasing his clutch gene with two crucial buckets in the paint and a vital offensive rebound that led to free throws for Cotton.

The stat sheet underscored Perth's dominance on the offensive glass, as they out-rebounded Adelaide 17-4 on that end, leading to a decisive 18-5 advantage in second-chance points. This relentless effort on the boards allowed the Wildcats to attempt 13 more field goals than their opponents, proving to be the difference in a tightly contested match.

Doolittle's impact extended beyond his impressive offensive numbers. After Davis torched the Wildcats for 21 points in the first half, Perth coach John Rillie made the tactical decision to put Doolittle on the dynamic guard. The move paid dividends, as Davis was held to just 10 points in the second half, finishing with 31 points and 10 assists.

"The thing I liked most about tonight is you wouldn't say we played our best or most efficient basketball," Wildcats coach John Rillie said post-game.

"But looking after the ball, the way we rebounded, the way we had multiple contributors at different times in the game, that was really pleasing to see."

For Adelaide, the loss drops them to 10-13 on the season, leaving them on the outside looking in at the top six. Despite the setback, 36ers coach Mike Wells found positives in his team's resilient second-half performance.

"I'm super proud of our guys to come out in the second half and get control of that game," Wells said.

"I never felt we lost our togetherness or momentum. The second quarter was the difference in the game."

The victory improves Perth's record to 15-9, solidifying their position in the upper echelon of the NBL ladder. With the win, the Wildcats have put themselves in prime position to challenge for a top-two finish and home-court advantage in the playoffs.

Looking ahead, both teams face crucial matchups that could have significant playoff implications. The Wildcats will aim to keep their momentum rolling as they host Melbourne United on Wednesday night in a clash that could go a long way in determining the final top-two positions.

Meanwhile, the 36ers face a tough road test, travelling to Far North Queensland to take on the Cairns Taipans on Sunday as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive.