In an impressive display on home court, the NZ Breakers have taken down the Adelaide 36ers with a dominant 109-82 victory on Saturday night.
The Breakers’ efficiency on both ends of the floor, highlighted by a stellar shooting performance, moved them into the top spot in the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) standings with a 5-2 record.
LATEST HEADLINES:
Led by point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who finished with a game-high 25 points (7/13 FG) on 53 percent shooting, the Breakers set the tone early.
Jackson-Cartwright’s precision from the free-throw line (11-of-12) and playmaking (six assists) drove the team’s offence, while his defensive effort also helped the Breakers control the tempo.
Mexican teen ‘Next Star’ Karim Lopez also stepped up, contributing 17 points (6/9 FG, 2/4 3pt, 3/4 FT) and pulling down seven rebounds.
His versatility on both ends allowed the Breakers to stifle Adelaide’s offence, while his inside-outside scoring kept the 36ers’ defence scrambling.
Matt Mooney was efficient from the field, hitting 63 percent of his shots for 17 points (7/11 FG, 2/5 3pt) and five assists.
The Breakers outplayed Adelaide inside, scoring 54 points in the paint and controlling the boards battle 40-25.
Sam Mennenga was a force around the rim, putting up 14 points (6/13 FG) and grabbing six rebounds in just under 20 minutes.
Off the bench, Freddie Gillespie brought additional firepower, going for 13 points (6/7 FG), along with seven rebounds and five huge blocks.
Adelaide duo Dejan Vasiljevic and Montrezl Harrell combined for 41 points but struggled to contain the Breakers’ relentless attack.
Breakers head coach Petteri Koponen said he was pleased with how his side played as a group.
“We were really solid for all 40 minutes tonight and I thought the guys did an amazing job,” Koponen said.
“In Sydney we took a huge step forward and we continued that tonight. Everybody who stepped on the floor contributed.
“Now is no time to celebrate - the next game comes fast and we play a really good team in Melbourne but we go there with confidence.”
The Breakers now travel across the Tasman for their next game against Melbourne United on Monday night (tip-off 9.30pm NZ Time).