Breakers dealt to by Melbourne United in NBL
A slow start for the Breakers cost them dearly in their 94-74 loss to Melbourne United at John Cain Arena as scoring become difficult as the game progressed.
The visitors 9-point first quarter deficit was too much as they suffered their seventh defeat of the season and fourth straight loss.
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They also had an off shooting night, the Breakers going 6 of 30 from outside, with several good looks not dropping as they mounted numerous attempts to close down double-digit deficits.
Stand in coach Sebastian Gleim did get the response he wanted in the second quarter, challenging his side to compete on every possession and bring a more physical presence to the contest. Gleim took control of the game with Gordie Herbert at the stadium but unwell with suspected food poisoning, and unable to take his place courtside.
That improved effort saw the Breakers restrict Melbourne to just 15 points in the second quarter, and trail by just four points at the half. Midway through the third quarter it was even closer, with the Breakers making it a one possession game, but Melbourne responded and went on a 17-6 run to end the quarter and balloon the lead out to 15.
Yet again in the final quarter the Breakers showed fight in reducing what was a 20-point lead down to single figures, but they could not wrest control of the contest off Melbourne who soaked up the pressure and responded with another run of their own.
Sam Mennenga once again top scored for New Zealand with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists with Carlin Davison adding 12 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds tempered somewhat by six turnovers.
DJ Vasiljevic added nine points and four rebounds, Charles Bediako nine points, 12 boards and two steals, Parker Jackson-Cartwright six points and four assists, and Anzac Rissetto an energy filled eight points on 4 of 6 shooting when introduced late in the game.
United were strong off the boards as Josh Oduro pulled down 19 rebounds to go with his 17 points.
The Breakers stay in Australia for their 9th road game in their opening 12 games of the season, travelling to Launceston to take on the Tasmania JackJumpers on Friday night.
Melbourne United 94 (Cole Anthony 21, Josh Oduro 17 , Luke Travers 12)
NZ Breakers 74 (Sam Mennenga 15, Carlin Davison 12, DJ Vasiljevic 9; Charles Bediako 9)
