New Look Breakers Deliver in Overtime Thriller

By Chris Pike for NBL Media
Photo: Izayah Le'afa (Credit - New Zealand Breakers Media) 

New faces at the New Zealand Breakers Izayah Le'afa and Cam Gliddon set up a big early lead over the Illawarra Hawks, and then it was Jarrell Brantley and Dererk Pardon who provided the winning buckets in the eventual 71-68 overtime win.

The Breakers and Hawks finalised their preparations for the NBL Blitz starting in Darwin on Friday by doing battle on Saturday in Pukekohe. It turned out to be a terrific overtime battle where both teams would have been delighted with what they got out of it.

It was Le'afa and Gliddon who knocked down seven three-pointers on the way to the Breakers appearing to open up a match-winning advantage with both players looking to thrive in their seasons with their new club.

Le'afa hit all four of his threes for the game in that first half as he returns home to New Zealand to play with the Breakers this season after spending the last two years with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Gliddon, meanwhile, is looking to make the most of his move across the Tasman 284 games into his NBL career and his three triples that he knocked down were a strong signal as to what he will be able to provide the Breakers.

It was new faces that stepped up for Illawarra too though. Import guard Justin Robinson was a significant reason why they stayed in the battle, and then it was Deng Deng who hit a huge three with three minutes to play as part of his huge showing.

After the Breakers had led by 19 points during the third quarter, the Hawks finished the term strongly to get back into the contest. Then when Deng hit that triple, they had assumed the lead and the advantage was soon out to four thanks to Tyler Harvey.

Ultimately though, two crucial inside buckets for the Breakers from Barry Brown and Brantley sent the game into overtime. As it turned out, Brantley stepped up once more with two more strong inside finishes before it was Pardon with game sealing score for New Zealand to see them win 71-68.

New Zealand import Barry Brown drives to the bucket (Photo: New Zealand Breakers Media)

There was plenty to like in the performance from the Breakers under new coach Mody Moar. Le'afa ended up top-scoring with 16 points on the back of those four three-pointers with Gliddon adding nine points while going three-of-three from downtown.

Jarrell Brantley was exciting inside for 14 points and six rebounds, with Dererk Pardon adding 10 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks, and Barry Brown seven points and four boards.

The Hawks were missing some important pieces under new coach Jacob Jackomas including George King, Davo Hickey and Mangok Mathiang, but to come back from that 19-point deficit to take it to overtime would give them great heart.

Once again new import guard Justin Robinson was a standout for the Hawks as he produced 26 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. His aggression in taking it to the rack was impressive in particular and he shot 12/15 at the foul line as a result.

Deng Deng is looking to take the next step this season upon joining the Hawks and the signs were good from him, with 15 points and 15 rebounds.

Sam Froling has had a huge off-season playing with the Australian Boomers and looks ready to shine with another 12 points, five rebounds and three assists with Tyler Harvey adding seven points and four rebounds, and Alex Mudronja five points and seven rebounds.

Both teams now turn their attention to the NBL Blitz in Darwin with the Breakers first in action on Sunday against the Brisbane Bullets. The Hawks will play later that same day against Melbourne United.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL PRE-SEASON

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 71 (Le'afa 16, Brantley 14, Pardon 10)
ILLAWARRA HAWKS 68 (Robinson 26, Deng 15, Froling 12) 

BOX SCORE

Mody Maor addresses the Breakers team (Photo: New Zealand Breakers Media)