The Tamworth export had six points, five rounds and four assists in the shock loss.

No one has questioned Adelaide 36ers' ability to score enough points to win games.

And against Perth they finally showed they can defend too.

In beating the Wildcats 99-88, the 36ers, who usually bleed points, kept a side below 90 for the first time this season.

For Adelaide, Daniel Johnson starred with 29 points and 17 rebounds, while Jerome Randle, Eric Griffin, Ramone Moore all reached double figures also.

Most of those aren't uncommon figures.

At the other end though, Bryce Cotton top scored with just 18 - eight of them in the final quarter.

He didn't get any consistent assistance.

The final margin flattered the reigning premiers, who trailed by as much as 27 points during the third quarter.

They were down by just four at the end of the opening period but couldn't buy a basket to start the second. They went at just 23 per cent for nearly seven minutes before finding some rhythm just before halftime.

But they didn't maintain it.

After trailing by 16 points at the half, they managed just 13 in the third term while Adelaide piled on 23 to lead by 26 points at the final break.

The loss was the second in the row for Perth after they let a 10-point three-quarter-time lead go against Cairns to lose by seven a week ago.

Adelaide have won three of their past four outings.

Australian Associated Press