Perth rang in the new year by snapping a four-game losing streak in Cairns, defeating the bottom-placed Taipans 93-78 in their NBL clash.
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The Wildcats went into the match without MVP contender Bryce Cotton and were under the pump to maintain their position in the NBL's top two after losses to Illawarra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Apart from a short period in the third term, the Trevor Gleeson-coached side cruised to victory.
The Wildcats led by as much as 13 in the second quarter and by eight at the break.
The Snakes reduced the deficit to two points midway through the third period and seemingly had the momentum, but were unable to keep it rolling.
A three-pointer from Mitch Norton sucked the life out of the packed crowd at the Cairns Convention Centre and the home side were unable to be resuscitated.
Regular turnovers from the Taipans killed their chances of ending their losing streak, which now stands at 14.
With Cotton nursing a hamstring injury in Perth, the Wildcats shared the load, with Terrico White leading the scoring with 20 points and five assists.
Nick Kay (17), Jesse Wagstaff (14), Clint Steindl (13) and Morton (11) also scored double figures.
Boomers big man Nate Jawai was Cairns' best in the 12 minutes he played, scoring 12 points. He appeared to be struggling with a knee injury late in the second term.
Taipans coach Mike Kelly admitted he pulled the wrong rein in limiting Jawai.
"Nate battled illness during the week and missed the shootaround this morning but he was OK," Kelly said."I should have played him more in the second half."
Taipans captain and former Perth forward Lucas Walker produced his best game for the season, finishing with 12 points and six rebounds, while skipper Alex Loughton also tried to inspire off the bench, hitting 12 points of his own.
Imports Melo Trimble (14), DJ Newbill (13) and Devon Hall (12) were well down on their usual output for the Snakes.
Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson was delighted to snap a four-game losing streak.
"It was a big game for us, especially without Bryce and we had a number of guys step up," Gleeson said.
"It was good for us to share the ball around and get back to (playing) tough defence. Our defence creates so much. We kept them to 39 in the first half and 39 again (in the second half). It was a good grind out."
Australian Associated Press
