NBL · Game Review

NBL game reviews – 2026-01-10

NBL Saturday Wrap: Defence, Scoring Punch and Standout Performances

Saturday’s NBL slate served up a bit of everything for Aussie hoops fans – a hard-fought clash in Perth where the scoreboard ticked over all night, and another matchup where the key storylines come more from the grind than the glamour. With the Perth Wildcats and SE Melbourne Phoenix (also listed as S.E. Melbourne Phoenix) front and centre, and the Brisbane Bullets facing the Cairns Taipans, it was a day that highlighted just how deep and competitive the league has become.

From a betting and odds perspective, the combination of a high-scoring shootout and some big individual stat lines made it the kind of card that can really swing multi bets and player props. Below, we’ll break down each game in detail using the confirmed scoring data and player stats, then finish with how you can use those insights the next time you’re lining up a punt with an odds comparison tool.

Brisbane Bullets vs Cairns Taipans

The matchup between the Brisbane Bullets and Cairns Taipans finished with the result locked in as final, but without a full statistical breakdown in the record. With the score data not included in the JSON, the best way to look at this clash is through the lens of its context: two Queensland rivals who traditionally bring physical defence and stretches of fast-paced transition play.

What we can say with certainty is that the game status is listed as final, so any pre-game odds or live markets you might have tracked are now settled. Without confirmed scoring or player box score numbers in the dataset, it’s important not to project or guess who top-scored or dominated the glass. Instead, this one becomes a reminder of how crucial it is to anchor betting reviews and post-game analysis to verified stats.

For bettors, this kind of data gap underlines a key point: when you’re reviewing your bets or planning your next move, rely on official numbers rather than memory, vibes or commentary. That’s particularly true for:

  • Player props – points, rebounds, assists and threes markets all depend on accurate box scores.
  • Totals – over/under bets on game points obviously can’t be fairly reviewed without a confirmed final score.
  • Live betting trends – knowing whether a game genuinely turned into a shootout or a grind helps you read future matchups involving the same teams.

Even though we don’t have the stat breakdown here, history between Brisbane and Cairns suggests a few common themes punters usually look for:

  • How the guards handle pressure and late-game situations.
  • Which side controls the boards in key stretches.
  • Whether either team shows a clear edge in three-point shooting or points off turnovers.

When that information becomes available through official box scores, it’s worth circling back and checking how those trends matched up with the odds you were seeing pre-game. That kind of disciplined review is what sharpens your edge over time.

Perth Wildcats vs SE Melbourne Phoenix – Scoreline and Game Flow

The first listing for this matchup gives us the full scoreboard picture: a high-tempo, offence-first game where the SE Melbourne Phoenix beat the Perth Wildcats 107–97. The score_records show the standard scoring broken down by quarter and half for both sides.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

The flow of the game is clear from the period scores:

  • 1st quarter: Perth 26 – 32 SE Melbourne
  • 2nd quarter: Perth 24 – 26 SE Melbourne
  • 1st half: Perth 50 – 58 SE Melbourne
  • 3rd quarter: Perth 25 – 21 SE Melbourne
  • 4th quarter: Perth 22 – 28 SE Melbourne
  • 2nd half: Perth 47 – 49 SE Melbourne
  • Full time: Perth 97 – 107 SE Melbourne

A few clear themes jump out from those numbers:

  • Phoenix started stronger: Up 32–26 after the first, they set the tone early and forced Perth to chase.
  • Halftime edge: SE Melbourne carried an 8-point lead into the break (58–50), giving them a buffer against any third-quarter push.
  • Wildcats’ response in the third: Perth actually won the third quarter 25–21, trimming the margin and bringing the game back within striking distance.
  • Closing power from Phoenix: The visitors finished the job with a 28–22 final term, stretching the lead out to double digits by the final buzzer.

Total scoring of 204 combined points confirms this was a game that favoured overs backers in total points markets, and it would have heavily rewarded anyone who anticipated a shootout rather than a grind-it-out defensive battle.

Perth Wildcats vs S.E. Melbourne Phoenix – Player Performances and Key Stats

The second listing for this matchup, under “Perth Wildcats vs S.E. Melbourne Phoenix”, gives the detailed player-by-player breakdown of stats across multiple betting-relevant categories: points, rebounds, assists, threes, PRA (points + rebounds + assists), PR (points + rebounds), RA (rebounds + assists), defensive stats (steals, blocks, turnovers, combined), and more.

Scoring Leaders (Player Points)

The scoring data makes it clear where the offensive load came from on both teams:

  • Perth Wildcats key scorers (home):
    • Wes Iwundu – 27 points
    • Nathan Sobey – 24 points
    • John Brown – 9 points
    • Owen Foxwell – 9 points
    • Angus Glover – 8 points
    • Ian Clark – 6 points
    • Malique Lewis – 5 points
    • Jordan Hunter – 5 points
    • Daniel Foster – 2 points
    • Akech Aliir – 2 points
  • SE Melbourne Phoenix key scorers (away):
    • Dylan Windler – 27 points
    • Kristian Doolittle – 24 points
    • Elijah Pepper – 18 points
    • Jo Lual Acuil Jr – 12 points
    • Ben Henshall – 11 points
    • Jaron Rillie – 6 points
    • David Okwera – 5 points
    • Sunday Dech – 2 points
    • Jesse Wagstaff – 2 points

Both sides had a clear 1–2 scoring punch. For Perth, Iwundu (27) and Sobey (24) combined for over half of the Wildcats’ 97 points. For SE Melbourne, Windler (27) and Doolittle (24) matched that production and were backed up strongly by Pepper’s 18.

For points-based player props, all four of those names were big outcomes:

  • If you backed Windler or Iwundu overs in points markets, you were in a great spot – both cracked the mid‑20s.
  • Kristian Doolittle also comfortably delivered on any reasonable points line, putting up 24.
  • Elijah Pepper, with 18, would have been right in play for mid-teens points lines depending on how aggressively the books priced him.

Rebounds, Assists and All-Round Impact

The game wasn’t just about buckets. The rebound and assist numbers show which players really stuffed the stat sheet and influenced multiple phases of play.

Rebounds (Player Rebounds)

  • Perth Wildcats (home):
    • Angus Glover – 7 rebounds
    • John Brown – 6 rebounds
    • Malique Lewis – 5 rebounds
    • Jordan Hunter – 5 rebounds
    • Nathan Sobey – 4 rebounds
    • Wes Iwundu – 3 rebounds
  • SE Melbourne Phoenix (away):
    • Kristian Doolittle – 12 rebounds
    • Dylan Windler – 8 rebounds
    • Jo Lual Acuil Jr – 3 rebounds
    • Ben Henshall – 2 rebounds
    • David Okwera – 2 rebounds
    • Sunday Dech – 2 rebounds
    • Jaron Rillie – 3 rebounds

Doolittle’s 12 boards stand out as a genuine anchor effort on the glass. Adding Windler’s 8, SE Melbourne’s frontcourt and wings did a lot of the heavy lifting in controlling possessions and limiting Perth’s second chances. On the flip side, Perth spread their rebounding more evenly, with multiple players in the 4–7 range rather than one dominant figure.

Playmaking (Player Assists)

  • Perth Wildcats (home):
    • Nathan Sobey – 8 assists
    • Angus Glover – 4 assists
    • Owen Foxwell – 3 assists
    • Wes Iwundu – 3 assists
    • John Brown – 1 assist
    • Malique Lewis – 1 assist
  • SE Melbourne Phoenix (away):
    • Kristian Doolittle – 4 assists
    • Jaron Rillie – 4 assists
    • Sunday Dech – 2 assists
    • Jo Lual Acuil Jr – 2 assists
    • Ben Henshall – 2 assists
    • David Okwera – 1 assist
    • Elijah Pepper – 2 assists
    • Dylan Windler – 2 assists
    • Jesse Wagstaff – 1 assist

Sobey’s 8 assists underline his role as a dual scoring-and-creation threat, finishing with 24 points and 8 dimes. That’s a big return for any points+assists or assist-only markets. Doolittle again shows up as an all-round hub with 4 assists, while Rillie quietly contributed 4 assists and 3 boards off the bench.

All-Round Markets: PRA, PR and RA

For punters, the PRA (points + rebounds + assists), PR (points + rebounds) and RA (rebounds + assists) metrics are extremely useful to track because they directly align with a lot of popular NBL player prop lines.

Points + Rebounds + Assists (PRA)

  • Perth Wildcats (home):
    • Nathan Sobey – 36 PRA
    • Wes Iwundu – 33 PRA
    • John Brown – 16 PRA
    • Angus Glover – 19 PRA
    • Jordan Hunter – 10 PRA
    • Owen Foxwell – 12 PRA
    • Malique Lewis – 11 PRA
  • SE Melbourne Phoenix (away):
    • Kristian Doolittle – 40 PRA
    • Dylan Windler – 37 PRA
    • Elijah Pepper – 22 PRA
    • Jo Lual Acuil Jr – 17 PRA
    • Ben Henshall – 15 PRA
    • David Okwera – 8 PRA

On pure impact, Doolittle’s 40 PRA is massive – that’s star-level output, combining scoring, rebounding and playmaking. Windler’s 37 PRA isn’t far behind and shows he wasn’t just a scorer; his rebounding and assists gave him a very complete line.

For Perth, Sobey (36 PRA) and Iwundu (33 PRA) both delivered big returns, confirming what the points/assists numbers already hinted at: they were heavily involved in almost every offensive possession.

Points + Rebounds (PR)

  • Perth Wildcats (home) highlights:
    • Wes Iwundu – 30 PR
    • Nathan Sobey – 28 PR
    • John Brown – 15 PR
    • Angus Glover – 15 PR
    • Malique Lewis – 10 PR
  • SE Melbourne Phoenix (away) highlights:
    • Kristian Doolittle – 36 PR
    • Dylan Windler – 35 PR
    • Elijah Pepper – 20 PR
    • Jo Lual Acuil Jr – 15 PR

Again, the same names dominate. If you were taking PR lines instead of straight points or PRA, Doolittle, Windler, Sobey and Iwundu all comfortably cleared most typical NBL PR totals.

Rebounds + Assists (RA)

  • Perth Wildcats (home):
    • Nathan Sobey – 12 RA
    • Angus Glover – 11 RA
    • John Brown – 7 RA
    • Wes Iwundu – 6 RA
    • Malique Lewis – 6 RA
  • SE Melbourne Phoenix (away):
    • Kristian Doolittle – 16 RA
    • Dylan Windler – 10 RA
    • Jo Lual Acuil Jr – 5 RA
    • Jaron Rillie – 7 RA

Doolittle’s 16 RA confirms what the eye test would have suggested – he was everywhere, on the glass and as a secondary playmaker. Windler and Sobey also profile as very strong RA options on a night like this.

Perimeter Shooting (Player Threes)

Three-point markets are a favourite with NBL bettors, and this game had a few standout sharpshooters.

  • Perth Wildcats (home):
    • Wes Iwundu – 3 threes
    • Angus Glover – 2 threes
    • Nathan Sobey – 1 three
    • Jordan Hunter – 1 three
    • Owen Foxwell – 1 three
  • SE Melbourne Phoenix (away):
    • Dylan Windler – 4 threes
    • Elijah Pepper – 4 threes
    • Kristian Doolittle – 2 threes
    • Ben Henshall – 1 three
    • David Okwera – 1 three

Windler and Pepper knocking down four triples each is huge for three-pointer prop bettors. Add Doolittle’s pair and you’ve got a Phoenix side that really stretched Perth from deep. For the Wildcats, Iwundu’s 3 threes highlight just how complete his offensive night was.

Defence, Turnovers and “Stocks” (Steals + Blocks)

While scoring draws most of the headlines, defensive stats and turnovers matter a lot for advanced props and for reading a team’s profile.

Steals and Blocks

The “player steals”, “player blocks”, and “player steals blocks” metrics tell us who made the biggest defensive plays:

  • SE Melbourne Phoenix (away):
    • Ben Henshall – 4 steals
    • Elijah Pepper – 3 steals, 1 block
    • Dylan Windler – 1 steal, 1 block
    • David Okwera – 1 steal, 1 block
    • Jo Lual Acuil Jr – 1 block
  • Perth Wildcats (home):
    • Nathan Sobey – 2 steals
    • Angus Glover – 2 steals
    • Owen Foxwell – 1 steal
    • Malique Lewis – 1 steal
    • Wes Iwundu – 1 steal

In “stocks” (steals + blocks) terms, Henshall, Pepper and Windler all offered value. If you were on any of their defensive props, this game gave you plenty to like.

Turnovers and Combined Impact (Tos + Steals + Blocks)

The “player tos + steals + blocks” metric gives a quick snapshot of how often a player was directly involved in possession changes, for better or worse:

  • Perth Wildcats (home):
    • Nathan Sobey – 5 (3 turnovers, 2 steals)
    • Angus Glover – 4 (2 turnovers, 2 steals)
    • Owen Foxwell – 3
  • SE Melbourne Phoenix (away):
    • Elijah Pepper – 6
    • Ben Henshall – 4
    • Dylan Windler – 3
    • Jo Lual Acuil Jr – 3
    • David Okwera – 3

Pepper’s 6 in this combined category reflects just how active he was at both ends. Meanwhile, Sobey and Glover’s numbers show their high-usage roles naturally come with more turnovers but also more chances to generate steals.

What Decided the Game?

Pulling all the numbers together, a few edges stand out in favour of SE Melbourne:

  • Balanced top-end scoring: Windler (27), Doolittle (24) and Pepper (18) matched and then slightly bettered Perth’s punch from Iwundu (27) and Sobey (24).
  • Stronger work on the glass: Doolittle’s 12 rebounds and Windler’s 8 gave the Phoenix a clear rebounding backbone.
  • Three-point firepower: Windler and Pepper hitting four threes each stretched Perth’s defence and helped push the total to 107 for the Phoenix.
  • All-round stars: Doolittle (40 PRA) and Windler (37 PRA) were the most complete players on the floor, which usually shows up on the scoreboard – and it did here.

From a betting perspective, this was a game where backing the right multi-stat stars – especially Doolittle, Windler and Sobey – would have paid off across multiple markets: points, PRA, PR, and even threes in the case of Windler.

Conclusion: What Today’s Games Tell Us – and How to Use It

Across today’s NBL action, we saw both the importance of hard data and the value of digging deep into the numbers:

  • The Brisbane Bullets vs Cairns Taipans clash reminds us that without confirmed stats, it’s risky to lean on assumptions. Smart betting is built on reliable, verified information.
  • The Perth Wildcats vs SE Melbourne Phoenix matchup showcased just how telling a full box score can be. From the overall 107–97 scoreline to the quarter splits and detailed player stats, we can clearly see why SE Melbourne came out on top and which players were most influential.

For bettors, the key takeaway is simple: the more granular the data you use – PRA, PR, RA, threes, steals, rebounds – the better your chance of spotting value that isn’t obvious just from looking at the final score.

The next time you’re lining up a wager on the NBL – whether it’s a game total, a head-to-head, or a same-game multi built around players like Sobey, Doolittle, Windler or Pepper – make sure you’re starting with the best possible information and the sharpest prices.

Use our odds comparison tool to:

  • Check live and pre-game prices from multiple bookies side by side.
  • Spot value on player props like points, threes, PRA and more.
  • Avoid taking unders odds when there’s a better price on the same market elsewhere.

The numbers from today’s games show how quickly a couple of hot three-point shooters or a dominant rebounder can swing both the result and your bet slip. Before you lock anything in for the next round of NBL action, jump onto the odds comparison tool, line up the markets, and back your read with the best price available.