Game Details
Round Two, New Zealand Breakers (0-1) vs Tasmania JackJumpers (0-2)
5.30pm AEDT Friday 7 October @ Spark Arena, Auckland
Watch LIVE on ESPN via via Kayo or Foxtel
Game context
All stats and number aside, its great to have basketball back in New Zealand. After two seasons of playing on the road, the Breakers will return home for the first time this season as they host the JackJumpers at Spark Arena.
It will be an emotional game for players and supporters alike. With the game selling out weeks ago, it makes for a tough away assignment for the JackJumpers.
Last season the JackJumpers held a 4-0 record over the Breakers, with all games played in Hobart due to COVID affecting international travel. But that Breakers now bear little resemblance to last season, with only four players returning from the side who went 5-23 in 2021/22.
Similar to the JackJumpers this season, the Breakers imports Barry Brown, Jarell Brantley and Derek Pardon will play a leading role in thier level of success across the season. A lot also rests on the shoulders of William McDowell-White. The starting point guard has been handed the keys to the Breakers offense and he’s a tipped for a breakout season after strong performances with the Boomers in the off-season. Expect the taller Milton Doyle to pick him up on the defensive end.
The Breakers surprised many in the opening round when they pushed Melbourne United to overtime on the road, coming up just short in the extra period. Brown and Pardon both slotted into their roles quickly, both scoring 23, while McDowell White filling the stat sheet with 9 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists.
Tasmania will be looking for a much improved defensive effort from the one that saw them lose both games in round one. Their slow and grinding defense was nowhere to be seen, as they gave up 190 points across both games, much to the displeasure of coach Scott Roth.
They also will be looking to engage Jack McVeigh more at the offensive end. He was heavily guarded last weekend and had limited opportunities to score – attempting only 16 shots across both games. Expect him to look to hit the scoreboard early off some set plays and bring his energy back to the teams offense.
Embed from Getty ImagesLineups
Longer term injuries to to Will Magnay and Clint Steindl will keep them out of this game. With the JackJumpers confirming on Thursday that Sam McDaniel will also not play due to an ongoing rib injury. Sean Macdonald his been added to the squad for this game.
The main injury concern for the Breakers if big man Rob Lowe, who sustained an ankle injury against Melbourne United. Loe’s size has caused problems for the JackJumpers in the past, and will be a big loss for the Breakers if he is ruled out. He is a game-time decision.
What has been said
“I’m excited to get over there, you know having Mika Vukona on our staff and what they’ve done while Mika was there,”JackJumpers coach Scott Roth said.
“The environment that’s in New Zealand is going to be great, and should be fun to play in.”
Speaking to Stuff.com.nz, Breakers coach Mody Moar said “I think 0-2 is misleading. They [Tasmania] were in a position to win against South East [Melbourne] and lost the game against Cairns to a barrage of 3-point shots you don’t see every day.
“They are polar opposite to us – this is a team with the smallest amount of [player] turnover in the league … they’re more ready from that regard, but we like our chances against everyone and believe we have a chance every time we step on the floor.” Breakers coach
Last time they met
Tasmania JackJumpers 88 d New Zealand Breaker 86
15 April 2022, Round 20, MyState Bank Arena
The two sides battled it out in a closed MyState Bank Arena for a Breakers “home” game.
Despite Tasmania needing the win to have any chance of finals, they struggled with the size of the last placed Breakers, more specially Rob Loe. Having only lost Yanni Wetzell to Europe hours before tipoff, the Tall Black international stepped up with a career high 27 points and 7 rebounds, almost leading his side to an unlikely victory.
Josh Adams led Tasmania with 23 points, including some big offensive plays late in the forth quarter helped them hang on. But it wasn’t without its drama, a late comeback from the Breakers, including a missed three pointer on the buzzer from Thomas Abercrombie almost sunk their season.