The Perth Wildcats claimed an important road victory, defeating the South East Melbourne Phoenix 107-97 on January 10, 2026. The Wildcats showcased their championship pedigree with a strong second-half performance to overcome a spirited Phoenix side at home. The first half was a high-scoring affair with both teams trading leads, but Perth's defensive adjustments after halftime proved decisive. They limited South East Melbourne's transition opportunities and began to dominate the rebounding battle, which fueled a decisive run in the late third quarter. A standout performance from Perth's star import, who recorded a double-double, was the key difference-maker. The win solidified Perth's position near the top of the league table, while the Phoenix were left to rue missed opportunities that could have swung the result. Post-match, the Wildcats coach emphasized the team's composure on the road, while the Phoenix coach pointed to defensive lapses as the turning point. The lineups featured both teams' full-strength rosters in this heavyweight clash.