Basketball: Sam Mennenga Lifts Breakers to Hammer Hawks
The Breakers revitalized their struggling NBL season by dominating the Illawarra Hawks with a 42-point victory in Wollongong. This 102-60 win marked a significant turnaround for the team after a difficult start.
Breakers' Season Revival
The Breakers had lost seven of their first nine games but found new momentum against the defending champions. Forward Sam Mennenga led the effort with 21 points and 11 rebounds, inspiring his team to a much-needed road win.
Key Performance Highlights
- Sam Mennenga scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, excelling on both offense and defense.
- Guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright noted the team was motivated to avoid repeating previous mistakes after blowing a 24-point lead in a home loss to Brisbane.
- The Breakers built an 18-point halftime lead and dominated the third quarter 27-10, solidifying their victory.
- Rob Baker II scored 19 points, including four successful three-pointers from eight attempts.
- Karim Lopez contributed 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
- Izaiah Brockington added 12 points, and Jackson-Cartwright scored 11 points.
"After losing seven of their first nine games, the Breakers found their groove against the defending champions in Wollongong on Friday night, led by Sam Mennenga's 21 points and 11 rebounds."
"Guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright says they were driven by their previous performance - a shock loss at home to Brisbane, when they blew a 24-point lead."
The team's improved defensive effort and strong start with the first eight points, followed by a six-point finish to the first quarter, helped them lead 31-18 early in the game.
Author's summary: The Breakers overcame a poor start to their NBL season with a commanding 102-60 win over the Hawks, led by Sam Mennenga's dominant all-around performance.