The Perth Wildcats defeated the South East Melbourne Phoenix 101-93 at RAC Arena in a crucial Round 19 NBL game, rallying from deficits at every quarter to secure the win. Dylan Windler led Perth with 23 points and 11 rebounds, contributing significantly in the second half to help the Wildcats move within one win of fourth place in the standings. Perth overcame a slow start, trailing 30-18 late in the first quarter, but responded with a strong second half, including clutch plays from Elijah Pepper (22 points), Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (18 points), and Ben Henshall (14 points, nine assists). The game was part of the club’s Mental Health Game, with donations to Lifeline WA increasing for each free throw made. The win improves Perth’s record to 17-11, just behind Melbourne, which they narrowly lost to recently, and keeps their playoff hopes alive with five games remaining. The Phoenix, currently second with a 19-9 record, remains in the top two but faces pressure from other contenders as the season progresses.