The New Zealand Breakers secured a crucial 102-96 victory over the Cairns Taipans on March 16, 2024, at the Cairns Convention Centre. This win was vital for the Breakers as they navigated a challenging four-game road trip, ultimately finishing with a split of two wins and two losses. The result intensified the pressure on the Taipans, who have now lost 11 of their last 12 matches.
Izaiah Brockington was instrumental for the Breakers, recording a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. His efforts were complemented by Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who added 20 points and six assists. Other key contributors included Sam Mennenga, with 22 points and seven rebounds, and Karim Lopez, who chipped in with 15 points.
Cairns entered the game already grappling with significant injury challenges. Their marquee player, Jack McVeigh, delivered an impressive performance with a game-high 35 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. This marked McVeigh’s second consecutive game scoring over 30 points, following his career-high of 39 points in an overtime loss to Adelaide.
In spite of McVeigh’s standout performance, the Taipans struggled to find consistent scoring support. Andrew Andrews was the only other Cairns player to reach double figures, contributing 23 points. The team’s difficulties were compounded by the temporary loss of Admiral Schofield in the opening minutes due to a minor injury, and Mojave King also faced a brief exit after sustaining a head knock.
The game began with strong momentum for New Zealand, as Mennenga’s successful challenge led to an early three-pointer that propelled them to a 7-0 lead. The Breakers built a substantial 14-point lead in the first period. Cairns managed to claw back and took the lead before halftime, thanks to McVeigh’s scoring prowess.
As the game progressed, the intensity heightened. An unsportsmanlike foul on Marcus Lee prompted a heated exchange between players and officials, resulting in technical fouls for both Andrews and Schofield. The Breakers maintained a strong position, leading 77-66 at the end of the third quarter, largely due to Jackson-Cartwright’s buzzer-beating three-pointer.
Lee faced further troubles, fouling out for the seventh time in just 15 games during his 100th NBL appearance. Despite McVeigh’s efforts to rally the Taipans back into contention, New Zealand held firm in the closing stages. Even as Breakers coach Petteri Koponen received a technical foul late in the game, the outcome remained in their control.
This win places the Breakers at 5-10 for the season, keeping them within reach of the top six teams in the league. In contrast, the Taipans’ record now stands at 3-12, raising questions about their ability to recover as they head into the upcoming FIBA international break.
