2025-11-02

S.E Melbourne 94 - 89 Perth

S.E Melbourne secured a five-point victory over Perth in a defensive battle, winning despite shooting at a lower efficiency than their opponents. The game was defined by the difference in free throw attempts, with Perth drawing 23 fouls and earning 34.8 free throws per 100 possessions compared to S.E Melbourne's 28.4, resulting in 36 free throw points for Perth versus 28 for S.E Melbourne. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter, where S.E Melbourne held a 91-89 lead and committed three consecutive turnovers in the final minute, yet still managed to win. The sequence included a shot-clock turnover, a steal, and an offensive foul, which allowed Perth to cut the lead to one before S.E Melbourne's late free throws sealed the win. Perth's interior presence was a statistical advantage, with Kristian Doolittle recording a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds, while S.E Melbourne struggled with ball security, committing 13 turnovers to Perth's 9. The visitors also lost the battle of the boards, being outrebounded 43-33, though they did salvage more second-chance opportunities (16 offensive rebounds) than Perth (10).