Lual-Acuil Jr Leads Wildcats’ Comeback Win over The JackJumpers

The Perth Wildcats showed grit and poise to overturn a 17-point deficit and claim a 95–84 victory over the Tasmania JackJumpers in Hobart on Wednesday night, led by a commanding performance from Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.

In an Ignite Cup clash that had the MyState Bank Arena crowd rocking early, the JackJumpers roared to a 19–5 lead and looked unstoppable in the opening minutes. But the Wildcats’ response was clinical — controlling the glass, tightening their defence, and eventually silencing the home fans.

Lual-Acuil Jr was the difference-maker, dominating the paint after Will Magnay went down injured in the second half. The Perth centre finished with 23 points, six rebounds and three assists, steering the Wildcats to their second straight win and lifting them to 5–4 on the season.

Elijah Pepper had the best game of his young NBL career, hitting 5-of-6 from deep on his way to 19 points, while David Okwera added a season-high 13 points and six rebounds. Kristian Doolittle was his usual reliable self with 14 points, four boards and four assists, and Jaron Rillie chipped in 11.

It was Perth’s dominance on the offensive glass that turned the tide — pulling down 15 offensive rebounds to Tasmania’s eight, generating extra possessions and momentum as the visitors clawed back.

After trailing by 12 at quarter time, the Wildcats launched an 11–0 run to start the second, cutting the margin to four at halftime despite 9–1 offensive rebounds in their favour. From there, they poured in 35 third-quarter points to seize control and never looked back, finishing with the game’s last seven points to seal the 11-point win.

For Tasmania, Bryce Hamilton was superb again with 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting, while Josh Bannan (15 points, eight rebounds) and Nick Marshall (15 points) battled hard. Tyger Campbell contributed 12 points and seven assists, and Majok Deng added 11, though the JackJumpers struggled after losing Magnay to a leg injury.

Coming off their miracle comeback over Sydney on Sunday, the JackJumpers (5–4) looked poised for another statement win before fatigue and turnovers crept in. For Perth, the performance — achieved without imports David Duke Jr and Dylan Windler — was a timely reminder of their depth and resilience.

The JackJumpers stay in Tasmania to face the Cairns Taipans in Launceston on Saturday, while the Wildcats continue their road trip against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday.

Final score: Perth Wildcats 95 defeated Tasmania JackJumpers 84.