Breakers Overcome JackJumpers in Overtime Thriller to End Losing Streak

The New Zealand Breakers have ended a three-game losing streak in the National Basketball League (NBL) with a hard-fought overtime victory against the Tasmania JackJumpers, winning 81-80 in Hobart on March 10, 2024. The match showcased a tense battle, with the teams locked at 71 points at the end of regulation time, necessitating an extra period to determine the winner.

In the overtime session, centre Sam Mennenga proved pivotal, scoring eight of the Breakers’ ten points. His impressive performance contributed significantly to the team’s triumph, which was essential for maintaining their playoff hopes. The Breakers, currently positioned seventh in the league with a record of 8 wins and 13 losses, narrowed the gap on the JackJumpers, who hold the sixth and final playoff spot with a record of 9 wins and 12 losses.

Coach Petteri Koponen praised his team’s resilience in a rugged contest. “We talk about playing with character and energy … I’m proud how they showed up and bounced back after a few difficult games, and that has to be the standard,” he remarked after the game.

Mennenga finished the match with a total of 20 points and seven rebounds. His performance was complemented by guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who had a standout game with 17 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, and four steals. It was Jackson-Cartwright’s crafty lay-up that equalized the score late in regulation, followed by a critical fast-break basket that sealed the victory in overtime.

Despite the win, the Breakers’ shooting was subpar, particularly from beyond the arc. The team managed to convert only four of their 25 attempts from three-point range. In contrast, Izaiah Brockington, who has been a key player for the Breakers this season, struggled significantly, making just one of ten field goal attempts and missing a potential game-winning shot during a chaotic finish to the fourth quarter.

Looking ahead, the Breakers will return home to face the fifth-placed Perth Wildcats next Sunday. As they aim to build on this encouraging win, the team will need to improve their shooting efficiency to compete effectively in the upcoming matches.