Jack McVeigh’s 47 Points Propel Taipans to Victory Over Breakers

In a thrilling encounter at the Cairns Convention Centre on March 15, 2024, Jack McVeigh delivered an outstanding performance, leading the Cairns Taipans to a narrow 99-95 victory over the New Zealand Breakers. McVeigh’s remarkable tally of 47 points propelled the Taipans to just their fifth win of the season, while the Breakers suffered a setback in their playoff ambitions.

McVeigh showcased his scoring prowess, connecting on 16 of 21 shots, including 6 of 8 attempts from three-point range and a perfect 9 of 9 from the free-throw line. His offensive display proved too much for the struggling Breakers, who were unable to mount an effective defensive strategy against the Australian forward.

The Taipans surged ahead after a shaky start, ending the first half with a 48-43 lead, thanks in large part to McVeigh’s explosive scoring. He amassed 26 points in the first half alone, hitting 11 of 12 shots, which included three three-pointers. The Breakers, conversely, found their rhythm through Sam Mennenga, who scored 14 points in the first half, but their defensive lapses allowed Cairns to maintain a high shooting percentage of 59%.

Breakers Struggle with Defense

Despite a promising third quarter where the Breakers clawed back to lead 72-69, they faltered in the final period. The Taipans capitalized on defensive breakdowns, allowing McVeigh to exploit his favorite shooting spots. The Breakers’ defensive performance was disappointing, as they permitted the Taipans to shoot a staggering 55% overall.

In addition to McVeigh’s heroics, the Taipans received solid contributions from Sam Waardenburg, who scored 16 points, and Marcus Lee, who added 15 points without a miss from the field. This marked a significant win for the Taipans, improving their record to 5-13 for the season.

The Breakers, who had previously dominated the Taipans with six consecutive wins in Cairns, fell to 7-12 overall. Following this defeat, the team faces increased pressure as they aim to secure a playoff spot. Coach Petteri Koponen will need to address the team’s defensive shortcomings quickly, especially with a critical matchup against the Brisbane Bullets looming on Monday.

Mennenga led the Breakers with 24 points and also contributed 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Izaiah Brockington made an impact late in the game, scoring 17 points on an efficient 7 of 10 shooting. Despite their offensive efforts, the lack of defensive cohesion ultimately cost the Breakers the game.

As the NBL season progresses, the Breakers must regroup and refine their defensive strategies if they hope to remain in contention for a playoff position. The Taipans, buoyed by their victory, will look to build momentum in their upcoming games.