The Perth Wildcats secured a hard-fought 101-93 victory over the South East Melbourne Phoenix in a National Basketball League clash at RAC Arena on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The win was a crucial one for the Wildcats in their pursuit of a top-four finish, as they managed to hold off a persistent Phoenix side in the final quarter. The match saw the Wildcats establish an early lead through aggressive inside scoring, but the Phoenix fought back behind sharp three-point shooting to keep the contest tight. A decisive run in the third quarter, sparked by defensive stops and transition baskets, gave Perth the cushion they needed. Key performances from the Wildcats' veteran core proved the difference, as they executed down the stretch to close out the game. The result saw Perth solidify their position in the upper half of the NBL ladder, while the Phoenix were left to rue missed opportunities in a close contest on the road.