Despite playing without captain Chris Anstey for a quarter, the Melbourne Tigers beat the Perth Wildcats 107-106 at Challenge Stadium.

Anstey was taken from the court six minutes into the second half after complaining of soreness and had his jaw checked by the Wildcats doctor.

Melbourne coach Al Westover said after the game that he may have had a slight concussion but they didn't think his jaw was broken.

He applied ice to both sides of his face having left the court with 10 points and seven rebounds to his name and his side 12 points in arrears.

Following Anstey's departure the Tigers outscored the Wildcats 25-10 in the third period to turn the tables and lead by three points at the final change, thanks mainly to some long-range missiles from import Sean Lampley and Dave Thomas.

With the Wildcats failing to adjust their defence, the Tigers maintained their composure and led by six points when Anstey returned to the court with 6min18sec left on the game clock.

Wildcats guard Brad Robbins tied the game with 14.8 seconds on the clock but Lampley sealed the win with 1.7 seconds left after being fouled by Peter Crawford and making one of his two free throws.

An 11-point opening term from new father Shawn Redhage shifted the game into Perth's favour in the first term and they led by four points at the first change.

Leading 65-54 at the half, the Wildcats had amassed their second highest first half score for the season, just shy of their 67 points against the Singapore Slingers in Round 1. It was also the second highest score they had conceded in a half, one short of the 55 they gave up against Wollongong in October.

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