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Bryce Cotton heater continues against Bullets

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basketball.com.au

Bryce Cotton heater continues against Bullets
Bryce Cotton heater continues against Bullets

Highlights

Cotton drops 36 on Brisbane as Perth wins 14th game, moves to 3rd

  • Brisbane's injuries caught up with them against Perth
  • Cotton continues his heater, had 36 points after slow start
  • Wildcats head back to Perth home stretch

Perth Wildcats scorched the Brisbane Bullets 112-85 on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, capping off an impressive seven-game road trip with their sixth victory.

Bryce Cotton put on a masterclass, pouring in 36 points and further solidifying his case for a record-breaking fifth MVP award as the Wildcats pulled away with a blistering 38-point second quarter.

The Wildcats entered the Brisbane Entertainment Centre riding high after a 32-point demolition of Tasmania in Hobart, but it was the short-handed Bullets who came out firing. Despite missing several key players, including Tyrell Harrison and Deng Adel, Brisbane jumped out to an early eight-point lead behind the inspired play of Josh Bannan, who shook off a knee injury to score the team's first eight points.

However, Perth's sharpshooting soon took over.

MVP-in-waiting Bryce Cotton of the Wildcats shoots during the round 16 NBL match between Brisbane Bullets and Perth Wildcats at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, on January 15, 2025, in Brisbane. Photo: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

The Wildcats caught fire in the second quarter, knocking down their first eight three-point attempts and unleashing a 38-15 run that blew the game wide open. By halftime, Perth had built a commanding 65-42 lead, with 22 of those points coming off 11 Brisbane turnovers.

"It wasn't a great start but we stuck with it," Perth coach John Rillie said.

"I'll critique the second half, but we've been on the road for seven games ... we did what we had to do.

"We're in a nice groove, but we can get better."

The Wildcats' dominance was evident in the box score. They scored 32 points off 20 Bullets turnovers and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds, leading to 18 more field goal attempts and four more free throws than their opponents.

Tohi Smith-Milner of the Bullets draws a charge against Keanu Pinder of the Wildcats during the round 16 NBL match between Brisbane Bullets and Perth Wildcats at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, on January 15, 2025, in Brisbane. Photo: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

Perth's efficiency was staggering, as they shot 13-from-18 from the field and 6-from-9 from beyond the arc in the second quarter alone.

At the centre of it all was Cotton, who continues to make his case for yet another MVP. The dynamic guard finished with 36 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals while shooting a blistering 5-from-7 from three-point range. His performance was complemented by strong showings from Keanu Pinder (19 points, six rebounds) and Dylan Windler (16 points, six rebounds, three steals, three blocks).

For Brisbane, it was a night of frustration despite valiant efforts from Casey Prather and Josh Bannan. Prather recorded a double-double with 32 points and 11 rebounds, including 6-from-11 from three-point range, but also committed eight turnovers. Bannan added 20 points and 11 rebounds.

"You can't afford it," Bannan said, criticising his team's second-quarter collapse.

"You want to make the playoffs, but you have to set goals to be more ambitious than slide into the six. Our intent needs to be to win every single game so there's no shadow of doubt."

The victory improves Perth's record to 14-9 as they return home after a gruelling stretch of road games. The Wildcats will look to maintain their momentum when they host the Adelaide 36ers at RAC Arena on Friday night in what promises to be an enthralling matchup. Meanwhile, the Bullets (10-13) will aim to bounce back as they remain in Brisbane to face the Cairns Taipans, also on Friday.

As the NBL season heats up, all eyes will be on Cotton and the Wildcats to see if they can parlay this road success into a strong home stand and solidify their position in the playoff race.

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