Mitch McCarron of the Breakers with possession. Photo / Getty Images
The New Zealand Breakers have rung in the New Year in style, snapping their losing streak with an emphatic 92-68 road win over Cairns Taipans.
In their first of five matches without leader Parker Jackson-Cartwright due to suspension, the Breakers stepped up with a statement performance and wins in
all four quarters. Matt Mooney was instrumental with a double-double, putting up a team-high 23 points on 64% shooting while adding 10 assists and three steals.
Centre Tacko Fall dominated the paint, recording a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds along with one block. New Zealand took control from the tip-off, shooting an impressive 54% from the field. They held the Taipans to just 32% shooting and were relentless on the boards, out-rebounding Cairns 50-36, with 13 offensive rebounds leading to 17 second-chance points.
The Breakers’ bench also provided an extra spark with 27 points to Cairns’ 14. Sam Mennenga made a significant impact, scoring 11 points on 83% shooting in just under 22 minutes while Max Darling added nine points. Head coach Petteri Koponen said it was a great feeling to end their losing streak with a dominant performance.
“We controlled the game all 40 minutes and I’m proud of these guys and how they responded to adversity,” he said. “The guys are getting better and more and more on the same page. Everyone was there competing tonight and I’m so happy for them.
