Melbourne United Dominates New Zealand Breakers 104-88 in ANBL Clash

In a decisive match on March 15, 2025, Melbourne United triumphed over the New Zealand Breakers with a score of 104-88, solidifying their position at the top of the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL). The victory marked Melbourne’s seventh consecutive win to start the season, while the Breakers fell to a 2-6 record after five rounds of play.

The game took place in Melbourne, where United quickly established control. The first quarter ended with Melbourne leading 28-17, a cushion they maintained throughout the match. By halftime, the score was 56-38, and the Breakers struggled to regain momentum despite a strong performance from their key players.

Chris Goulding, Melbourne’s veteran shooting guard, led the scoring effort with 23 points, including eight successful three-point attempts from 13 tries. His performance was instrumental in maintaining Melbourne’s lead, especially during critical moments of the game.

The Breakers showed promise early, particularly with Izaiah Brockington, who scored 25 points overall. He made a significant impact in the first quarter, contributing nine points as he navigated through the Melbourne defense. Despite his efforts, the Breakers could not keep pace with the high-scoring Melbourne squad.

As the game progressed, Melbourne’s offensive depth became evident. They demonstrated a balanced scoring attack, with Tanner Krebs and Tyson Walker adding 17 and 16 points, respectively. This support allowed United to maintain their lead and ultimately secure the win.

Breakers Struggle to Find Their Rhythm

The Breakers faced challenges not only from Melbourne’s offensive prowess but also from their own bench performance. Although Parker Jackson-Cartwright contributed 20 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds, the team struggled to find consistent scoring options outside of their starters. Jackson-Cartwright’s efforts to energize his teammates fell short as the rest of the roster could not capitalize on scoring opportunities.

By the second half, the Breakers attempted to close the gap. Jackson-Cartwright made a three-pointer to reduce the deficit to 57-48 early in the third quarter. However, Melbourne quickly responded, with Krebs hitting consecutive long-range shots that thwarted any hopes of a comeback.

In the end, the Breakers’ lack of depth from their bench proved costly. Only Rob Baker II, the team’s third import, failed to make a significant impact, leaving the starters to carry the weight of the game. The Breakers’ inability to find support beyond their main players highlighted the challenges they face this season.

As the season progresses, the New Zealand Breakers will need to regroup and find ways to enhance their performance if they hope to improve their standings in the ANBL. Meanwhile, Melbourne United’s strong start positions them well as they continue their pursuit of a championship.