Melbourne United Dominates New Zealand Breakers 104-88

In a decisive match at the John Cain Arena in Melbourne, Melbourne United triumphed over the New Zealand Breakers with a score of 104-88. This victory marked United’s seventh consecutive win in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL), while the Breakers fell to a disappointing 2-6 record in the early stages of the 2025/26 season.

The Breakers entered the game with a renewed sense of optimism, having secured two wins in their last three outings. However, their momentum was halted by a strong performance from Melbourne United, who showcased their depth and skill throughout the match. Notably, veteran shooting guard Chris Goulding led the charge for United, scoring 23 points and hitting eight of his thirteen attempts from three-point range.

After a solid victory against the Tasmania JackJumpers just two days prior, the Breakers struggled to match the intensity of their opponents. Despite early contributions from Izaiah Brockington, who scored 25 points, and Sam Mennenga, who added 16 points, the team was unable to secure any significant support from their bench.

Melbourne United established dominance early in the game, leading 28-17 at the end of the first quarter. The Breakers faced a challenging second quarter as United expanded their lead to 56-38 at halftime. The hosts shot an impressive 55% from the field and 60% from beyond the arc during the first half, while the Breakers struggled with only four successful three-point attempts out of fourteen.

The third quarter offered a glimmer of hope for the Breakers when captain Parker Jackson-Cartwright sank a three-pointer, narrowing the gap to 57-48 with just over six minutes remaining. Jackson-Cartwright ended the match with 20 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds, demonstrating his determination to uplift his team. Despite his efforts, the Breakers could not maintain their momentum as Melbourne’s Tanner Krebs delivered consecutive three-pointers in the final quarter, quashing any hopes of a comeback.

The absence of impactful contributions from the Breakers’ bench proved critical. Rob Baker II, the team’s third import, struggled to make an impact, leaving the starters to shoulder the bulk of the scoring. As the final whistle blew, the Breakers were left to reflect on their performance, knowing they must regroup as they prepare for their next challenges in the NBL.

As Melbourne United continues its impressive winning streak, the New Zealand Breakers will need to reassess their strategy and find ways to enhance their performance in upcoming matches.