Breakers Dominate Bullets with 113-84 Victory in Ignite Cup

The New Zealand Breakers secured a significant victory against the Brisbane Bullets, winning 113-84 on the Gold Coast. This match marked the Breakers’ fourth win of the National Basketball League (NBL) season and their second triumph in the ongoing Ignite Cup tournament.

From the outset, the Breakers showcased their strength on both offense and defense, establishing a commanding 68-36 lead by halftime. Their momentum continued into the second half, where they demonstrated exceptional shooting, hitting 15 of 18 attempts from the field and six of seven from beyond the arc. This impressive performance overwhelmed the Bullets, leaving them struggling to keep pace.

Sam Mennenga led the Breakers with a standout performance, scoring 25 points and grabbing six rebounds. His teammates also made significant contributions, with Parker Jackson-Cartwright adding 15 points and seven assists. Izaiah Brockington delivered an efficient showing, netting 19 points on 8 of 10 shooting. Additionally, Karim Lopez recorded 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Rob Baker II contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. The team finished the game with an impressive shooting percentage of 58 percent.

On the other side, Casey Prather stood out for the Bullets, scoring 26 points along with eight rebounds and four assists before leaving the game due to a knee injury. This setback was a blow to Brisbane, who struggled to find their rhythm against the Breakers’ relentless attack.

Following the match, Breakers head coach Petteri Koponen expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their maturity in closing out the game. “We played an excellent first half and kind of killed the game there,” he remarked. “Defensively we were great once again, and that opened opportunities at the offensive end.”

With this victory, the Breakers improved their record to four wins and nine losses, currently placing them ninth in the NBL standings. They remain competitive in the Ignite Cup, having won both of their matches thus far. Looking ahead, the Breakers will host the Perth Wildcats on Saturday, aiming to build on this momentum.

As the season progresses, the Breakers will hope to continue their winning ways and climb the NBL standings, showcasing the talent and determination they displayed in this commanding victory against the Bullets.