NZ Breakers beaten away by JackJumpers
The NZ Breakers have been unable to defeat top-of-the-table Tasmania JackJumpers, falling 98-92 at Glenorchy.
Still playing without star American point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, the Breakers were again led by Tall Blacks forward Sam Mennenga, who topped all scorers with 36 points, including three three-pointers, while also grabbing 11 rebounds.
LATEST HEADLINES:
The visitors led 32-31 after the opening quarter, but could never extend their advantage beyond three points in a contest where the lead changed 28 times.
Forward Kouat Nol connected on a pair of free throws to put the Breakers ahead 74-72 with 7m 38s to play, but the home side produced a 9-1 run that gave them momentum in the closing moments.
Guard Taran Armstrong paced the Tasmania scoring with 32 points, including 12/14 from the free throw line, while American David Johnson had 20 points off the bench.
During Jackson-Cartwright’s three-game absence, Mennenga has averaged 34 points and 14 rebounds a game, shooting 70 percent from the field.
Fellow NZ internationals Mojave King (18 points, four three-pointers) and Carlin Davison (17 points, 11 assists) continued their strong form, but seven others took the court to contribute just 21 points.
In his first outing as a replacement player, German guard Nelson Weidemann logged 16 minutes and hit two three-pointers, before fouling out.
After three road games in eight days, the Breakers travel to Cairns to face the Taipans next Sunday.
Breakers leading scorers - Sam Mennenga – 36 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 15/19 FG
Mojave King – 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4/8 3PT, Carlin Davison – 17 points, 11 assists, 6/8 FG
