Match Report Jan 24 vs Adelaide 36ers

Adelaide 36ers 112, New Zealand Breakers 110 (OT)

In a thrilling encounter at Spark Arena, the New Zealand Breakers took the league-leading Adelaide 36ers to the wire before falling 112-110 in the breath of overtime. With the Breakers leading 110-109, the four-time NBL Most Valuable Player winner Bryce Cotton made the game-clinching three-point shot with just 1.4 seconds remaining on the clock.

Cotton was presented with the opportunity after the Breakers, holding a one-point lead with 10 seconds to play, committed a turnover to hand possession back to the 36ers. It was a disappointing result for the home side after producing arguably their best performance of the season. In a pulsating game that witnessed 37 lead changes, the Breakers appeared to be out of contention when they trailed by 10 points with three minutes remaining in regulation.

However, Breakers co-captain Parker Jackson-Cartwright scored nine points in the closing minutes to force overtime with the scores locked at 93 points apiece. He then put the New Zealand side ahead in overtime. While Reuben Te Rangi, Izayah Brockington, and Karim López helped maintain the advantage, it was Adelaide’s Tall Black guard Flynn Cameron who kept his team within striking distance before Cotton had the final say.

Cotton finished with a game-high 33 points, while Cameron scored 17 and shooting guard John Jenkins added 24. The New Zealand Breakers had numerous outstanding contributors, particularly impressive given they had played in Melbourne less than 48 hours earlier.

Three players produced double-doubles for the home team. Jackson-Cartwright posted 21 points and 10 assists, López had 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Sam Mennenga added 20 points and 12 rebounds. Brockington also tallied 21 points, while Te Rangi scored 11 and Max Darling recorded a season-high 12 points. Darling was perfect from distance, making all four of his three-point attempts as the Breakers shot 57 percent from deep.

The New Zealand Breakers led 12-11 midway through the opening period, and although Darling hit two three-pointers, the 36ers held a 23-22 lead at the first break. Mennenga was the first player to reach double figures, giving the hosts a 33-32 advantage before the 36ers scored nine unanswered points. Darling made his third triple of the half as a frenetic opening period finished with the visitors leading 48-44.

The home side edged ahead in the third quarter on the back of five three-pointers in as many minutes. With Brockington scoring eleven straight points, the 36ers were forced into a timeout trailing 65-58. Cotton capitalized on defensive lapses late in the third, meaning the league leaders trailed only 71-70 entering the final frame.

Brockington and López maintained the lead for the Breakers before consecutive baskets by the 36ers turned the tables. The New Zealand frontcourt depth then took a significant hit as Max Darling was forced to the locker room with a leg injury. The team was already playing without import Rob Baker II, whose season was ended by an ACL injury. Forward Sam Mennenga sustained a wrist injury after being fouled by Adelaide forward Zylan Cheatham

 Despite the setback, Jackson-Cartwright inspired a gritty comeback to force the extra period. 

The team now prepares for a historic night on January 30, when the legendary Tom Abercrombie will have his jersey retired. The milestone event will honor the career of a franchise great and provide the backdrop for the fixture against Melbourne United at Spark Arena.