The Wildcats then rebuilt their advantage to 92-85 with three minutes left. Jackson-Cartwright responded with two long-range three-pointers to keep the Breakers in contention, but New Zealand eventually had to foul to stop the clock. Perth converted enough opportunities at the free-throw line to close out the four-point victory.
King supplied 18 points for the Breakers, including four three-pointers from five attempts. Carlin Davison added 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, while Mennenga finished with 12 points and four rebounds. Charles Bediako contributed eight points, three rebounds and two blocks.
The Breakers had started slowly, with Mennenga picking up two early fouls and Perth establishing a nine-point lead. After a timeout from coach Gordon Herbert, New Zealand responded with defensive pressure and transition scoring. Back-to-back steals and layups from Jackson-Cartwright, combined with six consecutive points from Davison, helped the visitors move ahead 26-22 at quarter time.
King then hit consecutive three-pointers as the Breakers stretched their advantage to 10 points during the second quarter. Perth recovered as turnovers hurt New Zealand, but Davison helped the Breakers take a 51-47 lead into halftime.
The Wildcats opened the second half with eight unanswered points. Jackson-Cartwright and King helped restore parity at 60-60 before the teams traded baskets through the remainder of the third quarter. A Dylan Windler three-pointer at the buzzer gave Perth a 76-73 advantage heading into the final period.
