New Zealand 'drought' Breakers win one at home

• Breakers forward Sam Mennenga drops career-high 29
• Parker Jackson-Cartwright back after 5-game suspension
• JackJumpers decimated by injuries

New Zealand Breakers snapped their home court drought with an 85-75 win (Game Centre) against the injury-depleted Tasmania JackJumpers at Spark Arena on Thursday, January 16 2025.

Sam Mennenga's career-high 29 points on blistering 13-from-15 shooting proved the difference in a see-saw battle that saw the Breakers overcome a 10-point second-half deficit. It was Parker Jackson-Cartwright's first game back after serving a five-game suspension for making contact with a referee.

The contest unfolded like a tale of two halves, with New Zealand dominating early before Tasmania mounted a furious comeback. The Breakers raced out to a commanding 19-8 lead after the first quarter, capitalising on eight JackJumpers turnovers and scoring 16 points in the paint. It was the lowest-scoring opening period in Tasmania's franchise history.

However, the JackJumpers flipped the script in spectacular fashion, erupting for a franchise-record 37 points in the second quarter. Jordon Crawford caught fire, pouring in 17 of his team-high 26 points during the period. Tasmania's offensive onslaught, coupled with improved ball security, saw them surge to a six-point halftime advantage.

The JackJumpers stretched their lead to 10 early in the third quarter, but that's when Mennenga took over. The 22-year-old forward scored 10 points in the frame, sparking a Breakers comeback that set the stage for a dominant fourth quarter.

New Zealand outscored Tasmania 24-13 in the final period, with Mennenga contributing seven points during an 11-2 run to open the quarter.

While Mennenga's offensive explosion stole the headlines, the Breakers' balanced attack proved crucial. Next Star Karim Lopez chipped in 17 points and two blocks, while Matt Mooney notched a double-double with 11 points and 11 assists. Jackson-Cartwright had eight points, six rebounds, and five assists.

"I almost forgot how winning feels," said a relieved Breakers coach Petteri Koponen.

"Tonight in the second half we really played with unbelievable energy and that was the big difference.

"We found a group of guys who were connected and playing unbelievable defence, contesting the shots, rebounding and playing together."

The victory improves New Zealand's record to 9-15 and marks their first home win since November 2nd. For Tasmania, now 12-12, the loss opens the door for the Adelaide 36ers and Brisbane Bullets in the tight playoff race.

Meanwhile, Tasmania JackJumpers' head coach Scott Roth, feared power forward Majok Deng's "season is over" after injuring his ankle in training.

Roth revealed Deng sprained his ankle in a team session earlier this week.

"I don’t want to speak completely out of line but I think his season’s over," Roth said in the post-game press conference.

"It’s probably two to three weeks, a mild sprain ankle, it is a sprained ankle. I would probably say his season’s done."

JackJumpers Will Magnay and Sean Macdonald are already out and adding Deng to that list will make it a challenge for Tasmania to defending their title.