The NBL witnessed a stunning turn of events on Sunday as the Illawarra Hawks emphatically ended Bryce Cotton’s historic scoring streak, routing the Perth Wildcats 120-88 at the WIN Entertainment Centre. Cotton, who had scored 40+ points in his last four outings, was held to just 13 as the Hawks soared to an impressive victory.
Cotton’s Streak Comes to a Screeching Halt
Entering the game, all eyes were on Bryce Cotton as he aimed to match the legendary Andrew Gaze’s record of five consecutive 40-point games set back in 1991. The sharpshooting American guard seemed poised to make history, exploding for 13 points in the opening quarter.
However, the Hawks had other plans. They clamped down on Cotton defensively, holding him scoreless for the remainder of the contest. It was a stunning turn of events for a player who had been virtually unstoppable in recent weeks.
Trey Kell’s Career Night
While Cotton struggled, Trey Kell stepped up in a major way for Illawarra. The 26-year-old guard erupted for a career-high 31 points, thrilling the home crowd of 5,462 fans. Kell’s offensive outburst was complemented by strong contributions from Sam Froling (18 points) and Tyler Harvey (15 points).
Trey was absolutely sensational tonight. He took full advantage of the extra defensive attention on Cotton and really made them pay.
Hawks coach Brian Goorjian
The win propelled the Hawks to an impressive 11-5 record, solidifying their position atop the NBL standings. Meanwhile, the shorthanded Wildcats, playing without key contributors Kristian Doolittle and Tai Webster, fell to 10-9 on the season.
A Historic Defeat
The 32-point margin marked one of the worst losses in Wildcats history. They narrowly avoided matching their 35-point defeat to Adelaide in 2018, the club’s biggest loss in the 40-minute NBL era. Michael Harris’ buzzer-beating three-pointer saved them from that dubious distinction.
It was a humbling night for the Wildcats, who will now aim to regroup and bounce back as they chase a playoff spot. With Cotton’s streak halted and the team struggling with injuries, it could be a pivotal moment in their season.
Hawks Soar, Wildcats Stumble
For the victorious Hawks, it was a statement win that showcased their depth and resilience. Even with Cotton’s early scoring burst, they never blinked, instead tightening the screws defensively and letting their balanced attack take over. As Kell and company caught fire, the margin ballooned to as much as 26 points.
- Illawarra’s 63 first-half points marked a season-high
- The Hawks held Cotton scoreless over the final three quarters
- Cotton missed his last 8 field goal attempts after a hot start
The Hawks will look to build on this momentum as they aim to solidify their position as legitimate title contenders. With a deep roster and a coaching mastermind in Brian Goorjian, they appear poised to make some noise in the postseason.
As for the Wildcats, it’s back to the drawing board. They’ll need Cotton to regain his scoring touch and will desperately await the return of Doolittle and Webster as they fights to stay afloat in a competitive playoff race. Despite the lopsided loss, you can never count out a proud franchise like Perth.
The Bottom Line
Bryce Cotton’s historic scoring binge has finally been halted, and in emphatic fashion. The Hawks made a resounding statement on Sunday, dominating the Wildcats from start to finish. With Trey Kell emerging as an unlikely hero and the team showcasing its impressive depth, Illawarra looks like a formidable force in the NBL this season.
The Wildcats, meanwhile, find themselves at a crossroads. How they respond to this wake-up call could define their season. Will Cotton rediscover his scoring touch? Can their injured stars return to steady the ship? The coming weeks will reveal much about the character and resolve of this proud club.
One thing is certain: the NBL season just got a whole lot more interesting. With the Hawks soaring and the Wildcats suddenly vulnerable, the race for the title is wide open. Buckle up, basketball fans. This is going to be a wild ride.
