Breakers let win slip against SEM Phoenix
- Dave Worsley
- Oct 12
- 2 min read
The NZ Breakers have let slip a big opportunity to score a back-to-back wins in the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) after fading late against South East Melbourne Phoenix in Auckland.
The Phoenix won 87-81 after a strong finish despite the home side leading for most of the game and had plenty of chances to take it.
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Concentration lapses on both offence and defence hurt the Breakers, who looked to have the game within their grasp.
The Breakers had a powerful second quarter, after trailing the Phoenix 21-15 following the first period.
With forward Sam Mennenga drilling his shots, the Breakers took a 12-point lead at halftime, with Mennenga scoring 15, including five-from-seven from the field.
The Phoenix fought back in the third quarter and the Breakers' lead was cut to three entering the final 10 minutes and also displayed some intelligent defence.
The advantage was down to two points with five minutes to go and the Phoenix hit the lead a minute later, when Owen Foxwell nailed a three-pointer.
A triple from from a Malique Lewis jump shot put more pressure on the Breakers who struggled to reply.
A total of 21 turnovers by the Breakers was a major issue will give the Breakers cause for reflection before their next game against the Tasmania JackJumpers in Auckland on Friday.
Mennenga led the scoring with 29 points, along with 11 rebounds, one assist and two steals, while Foxwell was top scorer for the Phoenix with 19 points.
SEM Phoenix 87 (Owen Foxwell 19, Nathan Sobey 18, Malique Lewis 13, John Brown 13, Jordan Hunter 10) NZ Breakers 81 (Sam Mennenga 29, Rob Baker II 14). 1Q: 21-15, HT: 34-46, 3Q: 62-65
