Breakers Blow 12-Point Lead, Fall to SEM Phoenix 87-81

The New Zealand Breakers squandered a significant 12-point halftime lead, ultimately losing to the South East Melbourne Phoenix 87-81 at Spark Arena on March 24, 2024. The Breakers aimed for consecutive wins following their previous victory over the Illawarra Hawks, but self-inflicted mistakes derailed their efforts, leaving them with a disappointing record of 1-5 for the season.

Despite starting strong, leading 46-34 at halftime, the Breakers struggled in the second half. Head coach Petteri Koponen expressed frustration over the team’s inability to maintain their advantage, particularly after suffering 21 turnovers throughout the game. The Phoenix, who returned to the NBL after a 17-day break, capitalized on these errors, demonstrating resilience when it mattered most.

The game shifted dramatically in the third quarter. The Breakers maintained a slim lead until the Phoenix ignited a powerful 16-2 run to take control. With the score tied at 80 in the closing minutes, a crucial three-pointer from Malique Lewis put the Phoenix ahead 85-80, sealing the victory. A layup from Angus Glover shortly after confirmed the outcome, leaving the Breakers to reflect on missed opportunities.

Sam Mennenga had a standout performance for the Breakers, scoring 29 points on 9-13 shooting and grabbing 11 rebounds. His efforts were notable, as he consistently contributed on both ends of the court. Rob Baker II added 14 points, while the Phoenix’s defense effectively limited key player Parker Jackson-Cartwright to just 9 points on 3-11 shooting. Despite his shooting struggles, Jackson-Cartwright made an impact with seven rebounds, nine assists, and three steals.

The Phoenix’s offensive efforts were led by Owen Foxwell, who scored 19 points and provided seven assists. Veteran guard Nathan Sobey also played a crucial role, contributing 18 points, including nine in the first quarter.

As the Breakers analyze this defeat, their second-quarter performance will stand out as a highlight, where they outscored the Phoenix 31-13. This strong showing showcased their potential when executing effectively on both offense and defense. Nevertheless, the team’s inability to start the second half strong ultimately undermined their progress.

With another home game approaching against the Tasmania JackJumpers, the Breakers have little time to recover from this setback. They must regroup quickly to convert their potential into results as they strive for success in the ongoing NBL season.