Hamilton Torments Wildcats as JackJumpers Snatch Road Win in Perth

The Tasmania JackJumpers produced a stirring fightback in Perth on Saturday night, overturning an early double-digit deficit to defeat the Wildcats 75–72 at RAC Arena.

It was Bryce, but not Cotton, who stole the headlines. With Perth still lamenting the offseason loss of their long-time superstar to Adelaide, JackJumpers recruit Bryce Hamilton delivered a statement of his own. The American guard scored a game-high 26 points on 12-of-19 shooting, 20 of them after half-time, to carry Tasmania to their first win of the NBL26 season.

Hamilton’s timing was impeccable. He buried a step-back three, then drove coast-to-coast for a tough finish before dropping a floater in the lane, giving his side an eight-point buffer in the dying minutes. Mason Jones answered with a triple and a three-point play to keep Perth alive, but his desperate heave on the buzzer fell short, sealing Tasmania’s gritty road triumph.

David Johnson chipped in with 12 points, hitting three of his five shots from deep. Captain Will Magnay added 10 points and four rebounds, while Josh Bannan provided nine points and 10 boards. Majok Deng’s eight points and defensive presence were also vital as the JackJumpers frustrated Perth’s offence all night.

Tasmania’s defensive commitment was the key. They limited the Wildcats to just 6-of-25 from long range, forced 13 turnovers, and conceded only 14 free-throw attempts. That discipline at the back end allowed them to absorb Perth’s late charge.

For the Wildcats, it was a night of frustration. Jones top-scored with 16 points, but could not find the finishing blow. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr battled tirelessly, pairing 15 points with 14 rebounds, while Kristian Doolittle worked his way to 12 points and six boards. Veteran Jesse Wagstaff and Lual-Acuil provided energy early, helping Perth to a 21–13 quarter-time lead off a 16–11 rebounding edge.

But Dylan Windler endured a rough outing, finishing with just three points on 1-of-7 shooting, and the Wildcats’ offence stagnated in the middle periods. The JackJumpers outscored them 20–14 in the second quarter and 21–14 in the third, with a Hamilton-inspired 16–3 burst turning the game on its head.

Ben Henshall and Doolittle tried to spark a final-quarter response, but Hamilton had all the answers. His poise in the clutch gave Tasmania control, and his flair in attack reminded everyone why the JackJumpers made him their key signing.

The result leaves Perth still searching for their first win after an opening-night loss to Melbourne, while Tasmania responded to their own disappointment against United with a spirited performance on the road.

The Wildcats now prepare for a trip to New Zealand to face the Breakers at Spark Arena next Saturday. The JackJumpers continue their away stretch later that same evening against reigning champions Illawarra in Wollongong.

Final score: Tasmania JackJumpers 75 defeated Perth Wildcats 72