Prather, Harrison Power Bullets to Breakout Win in Perth

The Brisbane Bullets have finally found their spark, producing their most complete performance of the season to stun the Perth Wildcats 110–93 in their Ignite Cup clash at RAC Arena.

After a turbulent fortnight that saw Brisbane drop four straight — including a 27-point drubbing at the hands of Illawarra — the response from coach Stu Lash’s men was emphatic. Casey Prather and Tyrell Harrison combined for 61 points and 25 rebounds in a game that reignited the Bullets’ season and silenced growing criticism.

Brisbane came into the contest short-handed once again, missing Sam McDaniel and captain Mitch Norton while still adjusting to life without released import Javon Freeman-Liberty. But there was no sign of fragility this time. The Bullets came out swinging, blasting out to an 11–2 start inside three minutes, led by the hot hands of Alex Ducas and Taine Murray.

That early surge set the tone for a night of poise and aggression from the visitors. Brisbane’s offence hummed, their spacing crisp and their confidence evident as they knocked down 7-of-13 from deep in the opening half. By the main break, they led 56–48 and looked every bit the composed unit their roster promised to be in preseason.

Prather was at his vintage best, torching the Wildcats for 34 points and 10 rebounds. He mixed power and finesse, scoring through contact and controlling tempo when it mattered. Beside him, Harrison was a force inside with 27 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists. The 24-year-old big man bullied Perth’s front line, owning the paint at both ends.

The Bullets shot 54 per cent from the field and 46 per cent from long range, while winning the rebound battle 48–35 — including 15 offensive boards that gave them repeat chances all night.

Rising guards Tristan Devers (15 points, three assists) and Ducas (14 points, four steals) continued to showcase their growth, while Taine Murray chipped in with 12 points and constant hustle.

Former MVP Jaylen Adams was quiet offensively, taking no shots in 17 minutes but still orchestrating smoothly with six assists. It was an unselfish, balanced team effort that will do wonders for Brisbane’s confidence as they move to 2–4 on the season.

For Perth (3–2), the result was a reality check after a run of three straight wins. Import guard Mason Jones had his best outing of the year, scoring 19 points before fouling out late. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr added 18 points, three rebounds, and three blocks, but the Wildcats were punished for poor defence and sloppy execution. They shot just 29 per cent from deep and turned it over 14 times.

Brisbane’s energy never dipped. Even when Perth threatened to rally in the third quarter through Jones, the Bullets had answers at every turn — a Prather jumper, a Harrison dunk, a Devers three. When the final term began, Brisbane blew the game open with a 15–4 run that silenced the home crowd and sealed a statement 17-point road win.

It was the kind of gritty, unified performance the Bullets had been missing — built on rebounding, smart ball movement, and relentless effort.

The Bullets now return home full of momentum to host undefeated Melbourne United on Friday night, while the Wildcats travel east to face the Sydney Kings on Sunday.

Final score: Brisbane Bullets 110 defeated Perth Wildcats 93.