The Breakers co-captain Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
The New Zealand Breakers were beaten 123-112 by the Wildcats in their NBL clash in Perth on Sunday night.
Perth star Bryce Cotton was near unstoppable scoring 59 points and seven assists.
Perth started strong with the hosts scoring 42 points in the first quarter with Cotton scoring 20.
The Breakers suffered injury blows in the second quarter with Tacko Fall and Dane Pineau leaving the court.
The visitors fought back strongly in the second half but were unable to erase the 21 point halftime deficit, with Perth holding onto their lead late in the fourth quarter.
Co-captain Parker Jackson-Cartwright led the Breakers with a double-double including a season-high 34 points and 10 assists, along with three steals.
Sam Mennenga added 25 points and nine rebounds while Grant Anticevich earned a start and notched up 10 points.
Head coach Petteri Koponen said it was a tough loss but he was proud of how his side responded in the second half.
"In the first half we were poor, but I was proud of how we responded after the break and we showed some character," he said.
"From a coach's perspective, it's frustrating being on the sidelines during moments like that [watching Bryce Cotton]. But as a basketball fan, it was one of the most unbelievable games I've seen - with Parker on our side and Bryce on theirs going at it.
"We responded in the second half with pride and effort. That's the key takeaway moving forward. In this league, you don't have a chance if you don't defend well and that's where it starts."
The Breakers (7-5) now travel home to prepare for their next match against Melbourne United in Christchurch on Thursday night.
