Pepper's clutch free throws lift Wildcats past Phoenix
Pepper's late free throws help Perth beat South East Melbourne 92-88 to move second on NBL ladder.
Elijah Pepper kept his nerve in the clutch as the Perth Wildcats moved to second on the NBL ladder with a 92-88 win over South East Melbourne Phoenix on Friday at RAC Arena. Pepper top-scored with 25 points, including four consecutive free throws with 7.6 seconds left.
Kristian Doolittle and Anthony Dell'Orso both added 22 points. Perth played without import Brandon Knight, who arrived in Australia on Wednesday but missed the match due to illness.
The Phoenix struggled with their three-point shooting again, making just 12 of 45 attempts, after a historic 4-of-41 performance last week. Skylar Mays led the Phoenix with 17 points.
Perth's depth proved decisive when it mattered most.
- 25 points
- Pepper's top score
- 4 consecutive with 7.6 seconds left
- Free throws made
- Perth 92, South East Melbourne 88
- Final score
- 12 of 45
- Phoenix three-point shooting
Why it mattersPerth's move to second place strengthens their position in a tight competition and shows they can win without their star playmaker.
AustraliaPerth Wildcats fans have their team climbing the NBL ladder as the season intensifies.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
