Bryce Cotton’s 38-Point Effort Falls Short In Double Overtime Loss To Cairns

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Bryce Cotton’s 38-Point Effort Falls Short in Double Overtime Loss to Cairns

In a heart-stopping double-overtime thriller, Bryce Cotton’s 38-point performance was not enough to carry the Perth Wildcats to victory, as they were defeated by the Cairns Taipans 116-125. Despite an explosive second half and clutch moments, Perth ultimately fell short in a contest that had fans on the edge of their seats.

How It Unfolded

The opening quarter saw a more subdued Cotton, who scored just four points—one layup and two free throws. The Taipans’ defense focused heavily on the superstar guard, which opened up opportunities for his teammates. Though Cotton wasn’t putting up big numbers early, he made his presence felt by pulling down four defensive rebounds and registering a block. His ability to impact the game beyond scoring set the stage for what would become a memorable outing.

A Dominant Second Quarter

Cotton turned it on in the second period. With just under a minute gone, he hit a step-back jumper to kickstart his offensive game. From that point, the four time NBL MVP took control, scoring 12 points in the quarter and finishing the first half with 16. His ability to find scoring opportunities while maintaining defensive intensity helped keep the Wildcats competitive, setting up a fierce second-half battle.

Third Quarter Surge

The momentum continued to build for Cotton as he came out hot to start the third quarter. He knocked down a tough three-pointer early on and kept his defensive energy up, adding a steal to his stat line. Cotton continued his shooting rhythm with another three-pointer, and by the end of the third, he had contributed an additional 11 points to his total. The Wildcats seemed poised to take control, but the Taipans weren’t backing down.

Struggles in the Fourth Quarter

The final period saw Cotton hit a rough patch, as he only managed two points on a pull-up jumper. Despite struggling with his shot, he contributed in other areas, grabbing a rebound and dishing out an assist. As the clock wound down, Perth couldn’t find their offensive flow, and the game was forced into overtime with the score tied.

Clutch Moments in Overtime, But Missed Opportunities

In the first overtime, Cotton’s determination shone through. Despite Cairns holding momentum, he pulled down two key defensive rebounds and then hit a clutch and-1 three-pointer to tie the game. The RAC Arena crowd erupted as Cotton hyped up the fans, trying to will his team to victory. However, the drama continued as Cotton missed the ensuing free throw that would have given the Wildcats the lead.

With a chance to respond, Rob Edwards of the Taipans stepped up but missed both free throws on the other end, keeping the game alive and sending both teams to a second overtime period.

In the second overtime, Cotton’s fatigue appeared to set in, as he managed only three points—three free throws—in the extra period. Despite his valiant effort, the Wildcats couldn’t overcome the Taipans’ balanced attack, and Cairns sealed the win with a 125-116 final score.

A Stellar Bryce Cotton Performance in a Tough Loss

Bryce Cotton’s 38 points, eight rebounds, and three assists were an incredible individual effort, but they were overshadowed by the heartache of a double-overtime loss. Despite his relentless playmaking and clutch moments, Cotton and the Wildcats couldn’t hold off the Taipans, who capitalised on the opportunities in the extra periods.