Perth Wildcats fan wins $10,000 after hitting half-court shot at RAC Arena

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Perth Wildcats fan wins $10,000 after hitting half-court shot at RAC Arena

A Perth Wildcats fan wearing a Bryce Cotton heritage uniform and sitting in baseline seats during Saturday night’s loss to Cairns has had a night he will never forget after winning $10,000 for making a half-court shot during the third quarter.

It had been so long since someone had made that promotional shot that long-time Wildcats staff couldn’t recall the last winner. People had gone close. Just last week, a man hit the front of the rim.

But when Neil stepped onto the court during a time-out, he did so with confidence and RAC Arena erupted when his shot went in.

The noise was so loud that Wildcats coach John Rillie briefly stopped speaking to his players because they couldn’t hear him. Wildcats owner Mark Arena even charged onto the court to give the winner a hug.

Camera IconThe fan launches it… Credit: James Worsfold/Getty Images

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Camera Icon… and celebrates. Credit: James Worsfold/Getty Images

*********** basketball legend Andrew Gaze was commentating the match and marvelled at the shot.

“He’s clearly done that before that fella. A good arc on the shot as well,” Gaze said, while fellow broadcaster Lachy Reid dubbed him ‘Bald Bryce Cotton’.

The shot totally changed the atmosphere in RAC Arena with the 13,269 crowd, which included premier Roger Cook, finding its voice.

The Wildcats trailed 58-60 when Neil made the shot. Cairns coach Adam Forde had to call another time-out 76 seconds later after Perth used that energy to surge to a 66-62 lead.

The seats that Neil occupied during the game are behind the basket which meant his companions had a perfect view of the incredible moment. He is promising to use the money to splurge on a holiday for his family.

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Camera IconNeil gives a thumbs-up. Credit: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Neil said it was a night he will always treasure.

“It was amazing. I was practising a few shots today and it wasn’t going like that, so luck is on my side. I’m an old basketballer so it’s muscle memory, I will say,” he said.

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