Adelaide captain Brett Maher shot seven points in overtime to guide his side to a vital 124-111 national basketball league win over Perth in stiflingly hot conditions in Adelaide.

The Sixers' victory was crucial, as it gave them the season series over Perth, which could prove decisive in their battle for positions in the top eight.

After the scores were tied at 111-111 at the end of a see-sawing fourth quarter, the home side outscored Perth 13-0 in the extra period.

Maher dominated, with his three-pointer just 1.40 into overtime putting the Sixers up 118-111 and making it almost impossible for the Wildcats to come back.

Maher scored 33 points for the match, fellow guard Charles Thomas scored 28 and forward Martin Cattalini 27, before he was fouled out in the final seconds of regular time.

For the Wildcats, athletic American forward Rashad Tucker was superb with 31 points, almost carrying his side to victory, while guard James Harvey shot 24 and centre Matthew Burston was a tower of strength with 14 points and 16 rebounds.

It was a good effort from Perth to get so close, given it only had eight players due to injury and was missing star guard Ricky Grace.

The lead changed five times in the last 40 seconds of the final quarter

Adelaide forward Dusty Rychart tied the scores at 109-109 when he made one of two foul shots with 19 seconds to play.

Burston put the visitors up by two points when he made two foul shots immediately after, after he grabbed a rebound and was fouled by Cattalini, with the foul, Cattalini's sixth, forcing him out of the match.

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