Breakers claim inaugural Ignite Cup in Gold Coast thriller

Breakers players celebrate their win during the Ignite Cup final match over the Adelaide 36ers at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. Photo / Photosport

New Zealand Breakers 111 Adelaide 36ers 107

The New Zealand Breakers won the inaugural Ignite Cup with a heart-stopping 111-107 victory over the Adelaide 36ers tonight.

In a high-stakes standalone final at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, the New Zealand side held their nerve through a chaotic finale to add the Ignite trophy to their Loggins-Bruton Cup success from the preseason.

Both sides navigated a challenging road to reach the Gold Coast, defined by the tournament’s unique “Ignite” scoring system during the group stages. The Breakers qualified for the final following a dominant 3-1 run, thriving under the Cup’s specific rules that rewarded winning individual quarters. While those experimental regulations dictated the path to the final, Sunday’s championship clash returned to the standard NBL format, allowing the Breakers’ superior frontcourt depth to shine in a traditional battle.

The Breakers’ disposal of the minor premiers provided significant consolation for their narrow exclusion from the NBL playoffs. For NBA Draft prospect Karim Lopez, the win marked a perfect curtain call for his tenure in the black jersey, while general Parker Jackson-Cartwright delivered his trademark precision, scoring 29 points.

The Breakers ignited early behind veteran Reuben Te Rangi, who connected on three triples in the opening frame to secure a 28-25 lead at the end of the first quarter. Adelaide responded with clinical intent in the second period. Despite the pre-game injury clouds, Bryce Cotton – the likely NBL MVP – led a ferocious 36ers charge, capitalising on a disastrous six-to-one turnover disparity to snatch a 54–47 lead at the main break.

The momentum swung again in the third as the Breakers launched a disciplined counter-attack. Sam Mennenga, whose early return from a wrist injury looked in doubt early, silenced the critics with a thunderous slam dunk that sparked a New Zealand resurgence.

After trailing 74-66 with just two minutes and 30 seconds remaining in the third, the Breakers rallied and clawed back to within a single point, entering the final frame down 81-82.

The fourth quarter transformed into a modern classic. Izaiah Brockington sent the tension to a fever pitch with a steal and dunk to make it 100-98 with two minutes remaining. Jackson-Cartwright then exerted his control, burying a clutch triple to push the lead out to six.

The final 15 seconds on the clock lasted for an age as both sides traded timeouts and tactical fouls. Cotton dragged the 36ers within striking distance at the free-throw line, but the result was effectively sealed when Flynn Cameron fouled Mennenga with four seconds on the clock. The star forward controlled his aggression to land two shots from the charity stripe to make it a two-possession game, allowing the Breakers to burn the remaining time and secure the A$300,000 winner’s cheque.

The Breakers have proven they had a championship-calibre squad but failed to consistently record wins. Having last won the championship in 2015, the victory provides the club a welcome addition to the trophy cabinet. Heading into the off-season, the result validates the strategic direction under new ownership. The 36ers will now turn their attention to the NBL postseason as minor premiers.

Box Score

New Zealand Breakers 111 (Parker Jackson-Cartwright 29 points, Sam Mennenga 21 points, Izaiah Brockington 21, Reuben Te Rangi 17, Karim Lopez 12)

Adelaide 36ers 107 (Bryce Cotton 34 points, Zylan Cheatham 21, Nick Rakocevic 21, John Jenkins 15, Isaac Humphries 12)

1Q: 28–25; HT: 47–54; 3Q: 81–82; Final: 111–107