Doolittle inspires Wildcats to overtime victory over Hawks

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 15 Nov, 05:01 · Archive

Perth Wildcats defeated Illawarra Hawks 111-100 in overtime at RAC Arena, with import Kristian Doolittle hitting the crucial three-pointer to force the extra period.

Perth Wildcats outlasted travel-weary Illawarra Hawks to claim a 111-100 NBL win in overtime at RAC Arena on Saturday. The Hawks led by five points with less than a minute to play in regular time after Tyler Harvey hit his third three-pointer of the fourth quarter. But Kristian Doolittle, named player of the match, refused to lose. He secured a crucial defensive rebound, then sank a three-pointer with 9.2 seconds remaining to level the scores at 92-all and force overtime.

The Wildcats came out firing in the extra period and dominated to win by 11 points. Doolittle finished with 29 points, five rebounds and five assists. Dylan Windler also came up big with 22 points and 11 rebounds, whilst Brandon Knight added 19 points and Elijah Pepper scored 15. For Illawarra, Makur Maker led with 21 points and nine rebounds, Kelan Martin scored 19 points and Milton Doyle added 16 points. Perth's ill-discipline proved costly for Illawarra, with the Wildcats giving up 28 fouls. Three Hawks fouled out: Makur Maker, Davo Hickey and Milton Doyle.

The victory was Perth's second in a row after a win over Tasmania on Thursday and marked the end of their nine-game homestand. The Hawks ended a gruelling five-game, 15-day road trip which had seen them win three games before this defeat. Wildcats coach John Rillie said Doolittle had learned when to step up: 'It's when to capitalise and when to be okay with teammates getting involved. The big three in that last minute, it's understanding the moment and what the moment requires.'

How it is being reported

• Perth Wildcats star Kristian Doolittle says his match-winning NBL performance came down to instinctPerth Wildcats star Kristian Doolittle rose to an incredible level to drag his team to victory in overtime against the Illawarra Hawks and revealed the mindset change that made him a match-winner.The West Australian · 15 Nov, 04:50
• Perth win overtime thriller against HawksThe Perth Wildcats have outlasted travel-weary Illawarra to claim a 111-100 NBL win after overtime at RAC Arena.The West Australian · 14 Nov, 13:32
• Perth win overtime thriller against HawksThe Perth Wildcats have outlasted travel-weary Illawarra to claim a 111-100 NBL win after overtime at RAC Arena.Perth Now · 14 Nov, 13:31
• Perth Wildcats import Kristian Doolittle inspires team to overtime victory over Illawarra HawksKristian Doolittle has inspired his team to a stunning overtime victory over Illawarra Hawks to give the Red Army the perfect reason to celebrate their last home game before a stretch on the road.The West Australian · 14 Nov, 12:59

In this story: Perth Wildcats · Illawarra Hawks · Kristian Doolittle · Dylan Windler · Makur Maker · John Rillie · RAC Arena

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