Wildcats feel 'no pressure' ahead of Kings semis clash

• Revealed: Jason Cadee's top five greatest NBL players of all-time
• Koponen exit 'ignites' Breakers coaching search
• 'Who's saying no?': Cadee supports Foxwell's LSU move
• Cut to the Jase: The Athletic's Sam Vecenie says Kristian Doolittle could play in the NBA

Perth WIldcats big man Jo Lual-Acuil believes there is "no pressure" on his team heading into a semi-finals series with minor premiers the Sydney Kings after they used a 51-24 second half to beat Melbourne United 95-77 in the play-in elimination game at RAC Arena.

Lual-Acuil and All-NBL First Team member Kristian Doolittle dominated United, combining for 52 points and 19 rebounds to help the Wildcats respond after a disappointing performance against the South East Melbourne Phoenix in the seeding qualifier on Wednesday night.

Perth looked in trouble at half-time, trailing United 53-44 but John Rillie's side came out firing in the third quarter, strangling Melbourne's offence - which had just 12 points in the second half until just minutes remaining in the contest.

After going 0-3 against the Kings in the regular season, Lual-Acuil said his team were underdogs heading into the semi-finals.

"There's no pressure on us... we went 0-3 against them during the season, no one expects us to win, so let's see what happens," he said post-game.

When asked by courtside reporter Anneli Maley what message Lual-Acuil had for Kings fans, he responded emphatically.

"I have no message," he said.

Key Details

• Result: Perth Wildcats 95 def. Melbourne United 77
• When: Friday, 7th March 2026, 5:00 PM
• Where: RAC Arena, Perth
• Attendance: 6,731
• Standings: Standings

By the Numbers

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (Perth Wildcats) starred with 28 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks in 31 minutes.

Milton Doyle (Melbourne United) scored 13 points and had three rebounds and two assists in 28 minutes.

What Happened

The Wildcats established early control with a balanced 22-19 opening quarter before Melbourne United responded emphatically in the second period, outscoring Perth 34-22 to take a 53-44 halftime lead. However, the third quarter proved pivotal as Perth completely dominated proceedings, limiting United to a dismal 10 points while scoring 23 of their own to reclaim the lead 67-63 entering the final frame.

Perth's dominance continued in the fourth quarter as they outscored Melbourne 28-14 to seal the comprehensive 18-point victory. The Wildcats' superior shooting efficiency proved decisive throughout the contest, particularly their ability to convert from the charity stripe at 74.42% compared to United's 92.31% free-throw shooting.

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr delivered an outstanding performance in the paint, shooting an efficient 11-from-17 from the field while dominating the defensive end with four blocks. His interior presence was complemented by Kristian Doolittle's versatile 24-point, seven-rebound, six-assist display and Dylan Windler's perfect shooting from downtown, connecting on both his three-point attempts while finishing with 18 points and nine boards.

Perth's offensive efficiency at 45.9% from the field contrasted sharply with Melbourne's poor 33.72% shooting performance. The Wildcats controlled the paint throughout, outrebounding United 53-39 while converting seven triples compared to Melbourne's seven makes from 37 attempts beyond the arc. Perth's balanced scoring attack featured four players reaching double figures, demonstrating their full team effort.

Melbourne United struggled to find offensive rhythm after their second-quarter surge, with Tyson Walker managing just 12 points on inefficient 5-from-18 shooting. Jesse Edwards provided some interior presence with 12 points and eight rebounds, but United's lacklustre perimeter shooting at 18.92% from three-point range ultimately sealed their fate.

The Wildcats' defensive intensity was evident in their ability to force Melbourne into difficult shots, particularly in the crucial third quarter where they held United to just 10 points. Perth's rim protection, led by Lual-Acuil Jr's four blocks, disrupted Melbourne's offensive flow and created additional scoring opportunities through defensive rebounds.