New Zealand Breakers defeat Illawarra Hawks in NBL season opener

The New Zealand Breakers opened their NBL27 season with a 95-81 victory against the Illawarra Hawks at Auckland’s Spark Arena. Under new head coach Gordon Herbert, the Breakers maintained control throughout the match, leading at the end of every quarter.

Sam Mennenga led the scoring with 27 points and eight rebounds, including a dominant 12-point first quarter. Captain Parker Jackson-Cartwright contributed 23 points and 13 assists, while debutant DJ Vasiljevic added 24 points, including six three-pointers. Other notable contributors for the Breakers included Reuben Te Rangi with 11 points and Charles Bediako with six points and seven rebounds.

The Illawarra Hawks were led by Davo Hickey, who recorded 18 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Tyler Harvey added 14 points. The Hawks struggled from distance, shooting 7-of-31 from beyond the arc.