In a thrilling NBL clash, Bryce Cotton once again demonstrated why he is the frontrunner for MVP, erupting for 41 points to lead the Perth Wildcats to a hard-fought 96-86 victory over the New Zealand Breakers at Spark Arena.
Despite a strong performance from Breakers import Tacko Fall, who poured in 21 first-half points en route to a 28-point outing, and a third-quarter surge from Matt Mooney, who caught fire with 17 points in the period, Cotton proved to be the difference-maker down the stretch.
Cotton Takes Over in Crunch Time
With the game knotted at 74-74 early in the fourth quarter, the stage was set for a dramatic finish. Enter Bryce Cotton. The star guard took over, scoring 16 of his game-high 41 points in the final period to break the game open and secure the win for Perth.
“It was a back and forth game,” Cotton told ESPN. “They made big shots but I just wanted to lock in and try to make the right plays, whether it was making a pass or taking a shot.”
Bryce Cotton, Perth Wildcats
Fitness and Conditioning Key for Cotton
Cotton credited his ability to take over late in games to his elite fitness and conditioning. “It all comes down to fitness. We all play hard,” he explained. “It’s about who is just a little bit more conditioned towards the end. Luckily for me because of that, I’m able to have the same lift in my shot in the fourth quarter as I do in the first.”
Fall and Mooney Shine for Breakers
With New Zealand missing the suspended Parker Jackson-Cartwright, the Breakers needed other players to step up offensively. Tacko Fall and Matt Mooney answered the call, each pouring in 28 points.
Fall was unstoppable early, throwing down a pair of thunderous dunks en route to 12 first-quarter points. The 7-foot-6 center added nine more in the second period but saw his minutes managed throughout the game.
Mooney, who battled foul trouble in the first half, erupted for 17 points in the third quarter as New Zealand erased a 13-point deficit to briefly take the lead. However, a controversial offensive foul call with just over four minutes remaining in the game fouled Mooney out of the contest, short-circuiting the Breakers’ comeback bid.
Wildcats Continue to Roll
The win improved Perth’s record to 12-9, including a 4-1 mark on their current seven-game road trip. The Wildcats have now won four straight and seven of their last eight, solidifying their position in the NBL standings.
For New Zealand, the loss drops them to 8-12 on the season as they continue to battle for a playoff spot in the ultra-competitive NBL.
Cotton’s Historic Streak Continues
Cotton’s 41-point outburst marked the fifth time this season he has scored 40 or more points in a game. It also continued a remarkable streak of high-scoring performances against the Breakers.
In his previous meeting with New Zealand, Cotton exploded for a career-high 59 points, sparking a run of four straight 40-plus point games for the MVP favorite. With performances like these, it’s no wonder Cotton is widely regarded as the NBL’s most unstoppable offensive force.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will look to build on their performances as the NBL season enters its final stretch. The Wildcats will aim to keep their momentum rolling and further cement their status as title contenders, while the Breakers will try to regroup and make a late-season push for the playoffs.
One thing is certain: as long as Bryce Cotton is on the court, the Perth Wildcats will be a force to be reckoned with. The star guard’s ability to take over games and deliver in clutch moments makes him one of the most valuable players in the league, and a major reason why Perth is poised for another deep postseason run.
