'Not pretty' but NZ break Taipans down stretch

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basketball.com.au

'Not pretty' but NZ break Taipans down stretch

The New Zealand Breakers celebrate after winning the round nine NBL match between Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convention Centre, on November 16, 2024, in Cairns, Australia. Photo: Emily Barker/Getty Images

Breakers dominant offensive glass in tough eight-point win

Rob Edwards scores 33 points before fouling out for Cairns Taipans
New Zealand Breakers beat Taipans 77-69 in Cairns
Matt Mooney leads Breakers with 15 points in crucial fourth quarter

The New Zealand Breakers secured a hard-fought 77-69 victory over the Cairns Taipans at the Cairns Convention Centre, overcoming a 33-point performance from Rob Edwards (Game Centre / Box Score).

NBL Next Star Karim Lopez of the New Zealand Breakers on the drive during the round nine NBL match between Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convention Centre, on November 16, 2024, in Cairns, Australia. Photo: Emily Barker/Getty Images

Breakers Take Control After Edwards Exits

The Breakers found themselves in a tight contest despite leading for most of the game. Cairns took their first lead early in the fourth quarter behind Edwards' hot shooting. However, the complexion of the game changed dramatically when Edwards fouled out with 5:50 remaining and the Taipans up by one.

New Zealand capitalised on Edwards' absence, going on a decisive 12-0 run. Matt Mooney was instrumental during this stretch, scoring eight of his 15 points to help the Breakers pull away.

"It wasn't always pretty but we found a way," said Breakers coach Petteri Koponen. "That (fifth foul) was a huge play, right there and we went from there."

Sam Mennenga of the New Zealand Breakers drives the ball to the bucket during the round nine NBL match between Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convention Centre, on November 16, 2024, in Cairns, Australia. Photo: Emily Barker/Getty Images

Balanced Attack Propels New Zealand

While Mooney provided the late-game spark, the Breakers relied on a balanced offensive effort throughout. Sam Mennenga contributed 12 points against his former team, while Parker Jackson-Cartwright added 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Next Star Karim Lopez chipped in nine points and three rebounds.

The Breakers' work on the offensive glass proved crucial, as they pulled down 19 offensive rebounds leading to 21 second-chance points. This effort on the boards helped overcome a subpar shooting night.

Rob Edwards of the Taipans reacts to a big play during the round nine NBL match between Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convention Centre, on November 16, 2024, in Cairns, Australia. Photo: Emily Barker/Getty Images

Taipans' Struggles Continue

For Cairns, the loss marks their eighth consecutive defeat as they fall to 3-9 on the season. Beyond Edwards' 33 points, Akoldah Gak was the only other Taipan in double figures with 11 points and eight rebounds.

"No positives right now ... just keep plugging away and get better from it," said a frustrated Cairns coach Adam Forde.

The Breakers improve to 7-3 with the victory as both teams now head into the FIBA break. New Zealand will look to build on this win when they face the Illawarra Hawks on November 28, while Cairns hopes to snap their losing streak against the Sydney Kings on November 29.