Mennenga, Lopez back for NZ Breakers
- 15 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The NZ Breakers will welcome back two of their star players ahead of Thursday’s Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) finale.
Key forwards, Tall Black Sam Mennenga and Mexican 'Next Star' Karim López, have both been cleared to return to the line-up following their respective injury layoffs to face the Cairns Taipans at Eventfinda Stadium (tip-off 7.30pm).
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The pair's inclusion provided a timely boost to the frontcourt as the team pushes for a strong finish to a disappointing regular season.
However, the club will be without import guard Izaiah Brockington, who has been ruled out of the contest due to a hip flexor injury. To cover his absence, the Breakers have activated development player Tukaha Cooper.
Additionally, Kiwi guard Tai Webster suffered a calf strain at the end of training on Wednesday and will be a game-time decision.
Breakers president of basketball pperations Dillon Boucher said the squad was ready to adapt.
"It is fantastic to have Sam and Karim back on the floor," Boucher said. "They have worked incredibly hard in rehab and given our medical team confidence in a return to play. They have got through a full week of training and medical testing, and we look forward to them both suiting up.
"Unfortunately, Izaiah picked up a hip flexor strain and won't suit up. We are confident in the group we have to take on Cairns."
The Breakers will complete their season with the Ignite Cup final against the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday at the Gold Coast Convention Centre (tip-off 6.30pm NZ Time).