Wildcats Storm Back to Eliminate United

Alexander Bebendorf

The Perth Wildcats are through to the playoffs after overturning a halftime deficit to defeat Melbourne United 95–77 in Saturday night’s Play-In clash at RAC Arena.

Melbourne appeared in control early, taking a 53–44 lead into halftime after dominating the offensive glass and generating more shot opportunities. But the game turned dramatically after the break as Perth surged behind the influence of Kristian Doolittle and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.

The pair proved decisive across the second half, combining for a dominant stretch that helped the Wildcats outscore Melbourne 51–24 after halftime to seal the 18-point victory.

Lual-Acuil Jr finished with a commanding double-double of 28 points and 12 rebounds to go with four blocks, while Doolittle delivered an all-around performance with 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Dylan Windler also played a key role with 18 points and nine rebounds, hitting a pair of crucial three-pointers during Perth’s decisive run.

Melbourne had several contributors but struggled to maintain their early momentum. Milton Doyle led the scoring with 13 points despite a difficult shooting night, while Tyson Walker and Jesse Edwards added 12 points each.

After a tense opening quarter, Melbourne gradually took control through the second period and pushed their lead out to double digits late in the half. However, Perth emerged from the break with renewed energy, led by Doolittle’s scoring burst in the third quarter as the Wildcats flipped the game to take the lead entering the final term.

From there the home side never looked back, extending the margin in the fourth quarter as Melbourne faded.

The win sends Perth into the playoff semi-finals where they will face the top-seeded Sydney Kings, while Melbourne United’s season comes to an end after a campaign that began strongly before faltering late.