NZ Breakers suffer crucial home ANBL loss to Perth Wildcats

Breakers guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Photo / Photosport

The New Zealand Breakers’ home woes have continued after suffering a crucial Australia NBL defeat at the hands of the Perth Wildcats, going down 99-91 in Auckland.

The Breakers led early, only for Perth to gain control and lead by as many as 11 points. While the hosts fought back to briefly lead with four minutes remaining, the Wildcats reasserted themselves in the contest and closed out the game.

It is the third time the Wildcats have beaten the Breakers this season, and the NZ side have now lost six of their 10 home games in the 2025/26 campaign.

Their record is now at 8-14, three wins behind the Tasmania JackJumpers, who occupy the last playoff spot with 11 games remaining.

Kristian Doolittle scored a game-high 21 points for Perth, while Dylan Windler claimed 17 points and 10 rebounds. For the Breakers, centre Sam Mennenga top-scored with 19, while Carlin Davison contributed 14 off the bench and star guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright had 10 points, seven rebounds and six assists, but had five turnovers.

Breakers coach Petteri Koponen admits they were lucky to be in the match and insists they must improve.

“It was crazy to have a chance tonight,” Koponen said. “How we were not able to play defence and how they shot the ball.

“Perth played with their efficiency, how they shot the ball and found all their guys.

“They were on tonight and you have to give credit to them. They played really good game.”

The Breakers shot out to an early six-point lead with Rob Baker II scoring a flurry of early baskets. But the joy was short-lived as the Wildcats established control to lead 28-23 at the end of the first quarter.

The Breakers did outscore the Wildcats in the second quarter, but still trailed 48-45 at halftime.

The third quarter proved decisive as Perth opened the game up, taking a double-digit lead and holding an 80-74 advantage at the end of the third.

While the Breakers took the lead late in the contest, the Wildcats were the better side in the clutch moments, with some big shots and key defensive stops.

Overall, the Wildcats were too clinical, outrebounding the Breakers 40-29, while shooting 55% for the match.

The Breakers are back in action on Friday against the Sydney Kings in Auckland before three games on the road.

“Sydney is going to give us great challenge with how they play defence, with their physicality,” Koponen said.

“They got one of the best defences in the league. Last time we met them, we were able to take the win and that’s when Parker won the game for us in the last quarter.

“It’s going to be challenge, but we keep working our things and improve from there.”