PERTH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 15: Kristian Doolittle of the Wildcats drives to the basket against Karim Lopez of the Breakers during the round nine NBL match between Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers at RAC Arena, on November 15, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
UPDATE: Perth Wildcats star Kristian Doolittle delivered a stunning performance last night, leading his team to an 88-75 victory against the New Zealand Breakers at RAC Arena. Doolittle erupted in the final quarter, scoring 15 points and securing 14 rebounds, helping to turn the tide in a game that was hanging in the balance.
As the fourth quarter began, the Wildcats found themselves in a precarious position, trailing by two points after committing four turnovers in the first two minutes. Tension filled the arena as the Breakers threatened to pull away. But Doolittle took control, showcasing his skills with a remarkable run that included three three-pointers and a total of 24 points for the night—his best performance of the season.
Coach John Rillie praised Doolittle’s impact, stating, “I was happy to see him take some transition threes. They’re loud threes. They’re difference makers in close games.” He emphasized the importance of Doolittle’s all-around game, noting, “It was a great all-round performance from Doo.”
The Wildcats, who entered the game with a 1-3 record at home, relied on Doolittle’s leadership to secure this much-needed victory. The win was crucial, especially considering their strong 5-2 record on the road. Alongside Doolittle, David Okwera contributed significantly with 13 points and seven rebounds, while teammates Elijah Pepper (13 points), David Duke Jr. (12 points), and Ben Henshall (10 points) stepped up at critical moments.
The Wildcats dominated the rebounding battle, outpacing the Breakers 59-42. Breakers coach Petteri Koponen expressed frustration with his team’s performance, stating, “They just bullied us in the offensive rebounds.” He highlighted the disparity in free throw opportunities, with the Wildcats attempting 26 free throws compared to the Breakers’ just six.
Doolittle has proven he can be a match-winner, but Coach Rillie emphasized the need for him to be adaptable. “Being the guy for him can look different every night,” Rillie explained, showcasing Doolittle’s versatility and potential to influence the game in various ways.
As the Wildcats look ahead, this victory could be a turning point in their season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Doolittle can maintain this momentum in upcoming matches. Stay tuned for more updates as the NBL season progresses.
