Mennenga: We’re carrying the energy of the country

BNZ Breakers forward Sam Mennenga says his side is ‘carrying the energy of the country’ coming off their biggest win of the season.

The Breakers demolished early title favourites Melbourne United 113-79 on Monday night, boosting the side to a 6-2 record in top spot on the NBL25 ladder.

Mennenga had a monster game with a career-high 25 points on 83% shooting along with four rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes on the floor.

It's been a great week for the big Kiwi, who also earned selection for the Tall Blacks ahead of the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers alongside team-mates Max Darling and Kaia Isaac.

After the blow-out win over Melbourne, Mennenga said returning to New Zealand to join the Breakers this season has given him a new confidence.

“I have more pride in winning with this club and with this country,” he said.

“We were underdogs coming into this game and we will probably be underdogs going into the next game. We have to have that [underdog] mentality because that’s what is allowing us to push further and further.

“As a country I think that’s the Kiwi culture in general. We’re a small country and there’s a tonne of people who have to fight.

“We are carrying the energy of the country and I’m just happy to be part of it.”

Mennenga and the BNZ Breakers are on the road again in Round 8 when they go up against the defending champion JackJumpers in Tasmania this Saturday at 7.30pm (NZT).

Watch the game live on ESPN or free-to-air on Duke and TVNZ+