The New Zealand Breakers secured a vital victory against the Cairns Taipans, winning 104-86 at HoopsFest in Perth. This win is significant for the Breakers as they strive to remain in contention for the playoffs. The game was marked by the ejection of Taipans coach Adam Forde, which became a turning point in the match.
Key Events of the Match
Coach Adam Forde’s frustration came to a head midway through the second quarter. He expressed his displeasure to the referees about a non-call that resulted in a hit to the head of point guard Andrew Andrews. His reaction led to two technical fouls, which resulted in his ejection from the game.
Despite losing their head coach, the Taipans continued to fight back. However, the Breakers displayed dominance throughout the game, highlighted by the performance of Sam Mennenga, who scored 28 points and grabbed five rebounds.
First Half Highlights
- The Breakers led the first quarter 26-21.
- Mennenga scored 12 points in the opening quarter.
- Andrews kept the Taipans close with nine points.
- In the second quarter, the Taipans scored 30 points, mainly from Admiral Schofield and Mojave King.
- The Breakers went into halftime with a narrow lead of 55-51.
Second Half Performance
In the third quarter, the Breakers extended their lead with a nine-point run, eventually securing a double-digit advantage. By the end of the third, the Breakers led by 12 points, thanks to a buzzer-beater three pointer by Izaiah Brockington.
The fourth quarter saw an assertive performance from the Breakers, outscoring the Taipans 24-18, allowing them to seal the 18-point victory.
Player Contributions
The Breakers featured several key players in this victory:
- Sam Mennenga: 28 points, 5 rebounds
- Izaiah Brockington: 24 points
- Parker Jackson-Cartwright: 17 points, 10 assists, 5 steals
- Karim Lopez: 16 points, 11 rebounds
The Taipans, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm following Forde’s ejection. Despite the efforts of Schofield and King, each contributing 19 points, the team couldn’t maintain momentum.
Upcoming Matches
Following this game, the Taipans will remain in Perth to face the Wildcats. Meanwhile, the Breakers will be on the road against the South East Melbourne Phoenix in a crucial Ignite Cup contest.
This match showcased the resilience of both teams and highlighted the importance of maintaining composure during high-stakes situations in the NBL.
