The Tasmania JackJumpers produced a stunning fightback on Saturday night at RAC Arena, overturning a double-digit deficit and spoiling the Perth Wildcats’ home opener with a gripping 75-72 victory.
In a game that had drama, resilience, and a touch of irony, it was a “Bryce” of a different kind who stole the show. While Perth is still reeling from the departure of Bryce Cotton to fierce rivals Adelaide, it was Tasmania’s Bryce Hamilton who tormented Wildcats fans, delivering a game-high 26 points to secure a vital early-season road win.
Hamilton’s Heroics in the Clutch
Hamilton started the night quietly but erupted after halftime, scoring 20 of his 26 points in a second-half takeover. The 23-year-old was ruthless with his shot selection, hitting 12 of his 19 attempts from the field, and most importantly, stepping up when the game was on the line.
Late in the fourth quarter, Hamilton strung together a dazzling sequence: a step-back three-pointer, a coast-to-coast drive that cut through Perth’s defense, and a deft floater that pushed Tasmania ahead by eight with less than a minute remaining.
Though Perth clawed back behind import Mason Jones, who buried a three and converted a three-point play in the final seconds, his desperate heave at the buzzer missed the mark. Hamilton’s calmness under pressure was the difference between Tasmania leaving Perth 0-2 or carrying momentum into their next challenge.
Tasmania’s Defensive Backbone
Beyond Hamilton’s brilliance, the JackJumpers’ collective defense set the tone for their comeback. After being out-rebounded and out-hustled in the opening quarter, Tasmania tightened the screws across the middle periods.
They held the Wildcats to a woeful 6-of-25 shooting from beyond the arc, limited them to just 14 free-throw attempts, and forced 13 turnovers. The discipline and structure of Tasmania’s defensive rotations stifled Perth’s offensive flow, preventing the home side from capitalizing on their early dominance.
Captain Will Magnay contributed at both ends with 10 points and four rebounds, anchoring the paint and contesting Perth’s bigs. Rising talent Josh Bannan impressed with nine points and 10 boards, while Majok Deng provided energy off the bench with eight points. David Johnson’s sharp shooting—12 points including 3-of-5 from deep—gave Hamilton valuable support in breaking open the Wildcats’ defense.
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Perth’s Missed Opportunity
For Perth, the loss was especially painful given their strong start. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and veteran Jesse Wagstaff led an aggressive rebounding charge in the first quarter, helping the Wildcats establish a 21-13 lead at the first break. With a 16-11 edge on the glass early, they looked primed to control the contest.
However, the Wildcats’ offense sputtered in the second and third quarters. Jones top-scored with 16 points but struggled to find rhythm outside of his late surge. Lual-Acuil posted a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing his presence in the paint, but even his efforts couldn’t ignite consistency for Perth.
Kristian Doolittle chipped in with 12 points and six rebounds, but Dylan Windler endured a nightmare shooting night, finishing with just three points on 1-of-7 attempts. The lack of offensive balance left Perth vulnerable, and Hamilton made them pay.
JackJumpers’ Game-Changing Runs
The turning point arrived midway through the second quarter. Trailing by 12 and staring at the possibility of starting the season with back-to-back defeats, Tasmania found another gear. Hamilton and Johnson spearheaded a blistering 16-3 run that stunned the home crowd and wrestled momentum away from the Wildcats.
That surge continued after halftime, with another Hamilton-inspired 10-0 burst in the third quarter. By then, the JackJumpers were dictating terms, outscoring Perth 20-14 in the third and 21-14 in the second quarter. Entering the final period, Tasmania led by five, and despite Perth’s late rally, they never relinquished control.
What’s Next for Both Teams
For Perth, the loss marks a frustrating start to their campaign as they adjust to life without Cotton, the player who defined their attack for so many years. The Wildcats will now turn their focus to the road, facing the New Zealand Breakers at Spark Arena next Saturday. Coach John Rillie’s men will need to find sharper execution on offense if they hope to avoid slipping into an early-season hole.
Meanwhile, the JackJumpers have every reason to celebrate their resilience and growing confidence. They’ll be back in action on the same evening, facing defending champions Illawarra Hawks in what looms as another massive test of their credentials. If Hamilton maintains this form, Tasmania could emerge as a genuine force in NBL26.
Final Score
Hungry Jack’s NBL Season 2025/26
Perth Wildcats 72 (Jones 16, Lual-Acuil Jr 15, Doolittle 12)
Tasmania JackJumpers 75 (Hamilton 26, Johnson 12, Magnay 10)