PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 25: JaVale McGee of the Hawks goes to the basket against Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. and Jesse Wagstaff of the Wildcats during the round six NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Illawarra Hawks at RAC Arena, on October 25, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
UPDATE: Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie is calling for urgent changes to how star big man Jo Lual-Acuil Jnr is officiated in the NBL, following a devastating 85-84 loss to the Illawarra Hawks where Lual-Acuil fouled out with just 3:56 remaining. The defeat has left the team reeling as they now face a tough stretch in their schedule.
Lual-Acuil’s foul trouble has become a significant concern, having already fouled out in a previous match against the Sydney Kings. Before his exit, he made a notable impact, scoring 18 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and recording three blocks. His absence was felt as JaVale McGee stepped up, scoring 24 points and hitting the winning free throw that sent fans into an uproar.
Rillie expressed his frustration, emphasizing the need for players to be protected. “What I will say for everyone that comes into an arena across the NBL and gets paid somehow through basketball is that players are the superstars,” he stated. “Let’s not get lost on why everyone is here.” He had even used his Coach’s Challenge on Lual-Acuil’s fifth foul, a move that proved questionable as it could have been crucial later in the game.
The match spiraled in the second half as the Wildcats struggled offensively, shooting only one of 17 from three-point range in the first half, continuing a troubling trend with a 29.7% average from beyond the arc over their last seven games. Rillie remains optimistic, asserting that the quality of shots matters more than the statistics. “Basketball is a game about making shots,” he said, urging his players to maintain confidence in their abilities.
Additional standout performances included Ben Henshall, who scored 17 points, and Elijah Pepper, who, despite a rough shooting night, nailed a pivotal three-pointer with just 4.5 seconds left. However, the Wildcats now find themselves at a 4-4 record as they prepare for a series of challenging away games against Tasmania, South East Melbourne, and a highly anticipated matchup with Bryce Cotton in Adelaide.
In a further development, new import David Duke Jnr is set to arrive in Australia on Monday, potentially providing a much-needed boost to the Wildcats’ lineup. The urgency to adapt and improve is palpable as the Wildcats look to turn their fortunes around in the coming weeks.
Fans are left anxiously awaiting the next game, hoping for a resolution to Lual-Acuil’s foul issues and a return to winning form. The drama continues as the Wildcats navigate this critical phase of their season.
