Match Report Dec 22

The BNZ Breakers failed to give its fans an early Christmas present after slipping to a third consecutive away loss in losing 99-85 to the Brisbane Bullets on Monday night at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

On a disappointing night, the Breakers shot just 41% (31/75) from the field and 22% (6/27) from the three-point mark, with Brisbane a far superior 52% (36/69) from the field and 40% (11/27) from beyond the arc. Bullets centre Tyrell Harrison posted a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds, and with American guard Javon Freeman-Liberty also claiming 11 rebounds (along with 13 points), the hosts dominated the rebounding count 48-36.

The Breakers were paced by point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright’s season high 26 points (10/17FG, 4/6 3PG), Izayah Brockington scored 18 points (7/13FG), while Carlin Davison provided a number of highlight moments as he compiled career highs in points (15) and rebounds (7).

The Bullets, with Darryl McDonald at the helm, having recently replaced departed head coach Stu Lash, started the stronger, forging an early 11-7 lead that was extended to 26-20 at quarter time.

The Bullets lead was quickly extended to double figures and despite a couple of threes from Jackson-Cartwright the BNZ Breakers were starting to lose touch as they fell behind  by 19 points (51-32) with four minutes to play in the first half.

Reuben Te Rangi and Davison provided some offensive impetus but outscored 30-21 in the period the BNZ Breakers trailed 56-41 at half-time.

Davison scored 7 third-period points but the BNZ Breakers were still 16 points in arrears at three-quarter time, trailing 79-63.

The BNZ Breakers put in a strong defensive shift, holding the Bullets to ten points in the first seven minutes of the fourth period, and when Jackson-Cartwright scored 8 points in 60 seconds, the deficit was just 9 points (89-90) with 2:30 to play. However, the BNZ Breakers couldn’t get closer, the Bullets holding firm in the closing stages to thwart a belated Breakers comeback and break a seven-game losing streak.

The BNZ Breakers will complete their four-game road stretch against the Tasmania Jack Jumpers on Boxing Day before returning for a home game on January 4, when they will host the Perth Wildcats at Spark Arena.

Catch all the action from the Boxing Day match on ESPN or Disney+

Click our ticket link to purchase tickets for January 4th. 

 Result:

BNZ Breakers 85 – Jackson-Cartwright 26pts, Brockington 18pts, Davison 15pts, Mennenga 8pts

Brisbane Bullets 99 - Harrison 22pts, Taylor 14pts, Freeman-Liberty 13pts