Adelaide's Brett Maher and Martin Cattalini led one of the most dramatic come-from-behind victories in NBL history to keep the 36ers title hopes alive at Challenge Stadium.

The Wildcats led by a massive 26 points heading into the final quarter but a 45-11 run by the visitors stole the match 99-91 and forced a series decider in Perth on Sunday.

Perth had seemingly wrapped up the three-game playoff before a scoring explosion from defending champion Adelaide as the Cats tightened up missing free throws and easy shots at basket.

After a barren third quarter, Maher shot the team back into the match scoring nine out of his final tally of 22 points while Cattalini was the cool hand down the stretch.

Having been blown off the court for three quarters Adelaide finally drew level 86-86 with just under three minutes remaining before Cattalini guided the visitors home as Perth imploded.

Perth assistant coach Mike Ellis said before the match that Perth had to control Adelaide's massive scoring ability but even he would have been amazed at what he witnessed.

Wildcats coach Alan Black now faces a difficult task to get his team to bounce back for Sunday.

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