Gamebreaker

DOWN BUT NOT OUT! HOME GAME NEXT

2009-02-26T07:31:00.001+13:00

The Tigers have claimed the opening game of the best-of-three semi-final series against the Breakers with a comfortable117-99 in Melbourne.
The Tigers controlled both ends of the court from the outset, jumping to an early 15-5 lead before the Breakers fought back.
The Tigers' Luke Kendall scored a game high 25 points while CJ Bruton led the way for the Breakers with 22, but only Kirk Penney, with 19, and Tony Ronaldson, with 18, provided any assistance.
The Breakers must win at the North Shore Events Centre tomorrow night to keep their season alive.

CAN THE BREAKERS TAME THE TIGERS?

2009-02-24T08:02:00.002+13:00

Can the Breakers become the first New Zealand sports team to win a transtasman club championship? We’ll have the answer right here, exclusive live, and free to air, on Maori Television.
Wednesday night’s big game will play live on our Te Reo Channel (channel 59 on SKY and on Freeview channel 24)) and we will also look to stream it live.
The Tigers may have home advantage for two of the three matches but, after sitting out the quarterfinals with a bye, they won't have played for 10 days when they meet the Breakers on this Wednesday night.
Such an extended lay-off can cut both ways. The Tigers will be physically rejuvenated but could also be caught cold.
Although they won't say as much, the Breakers will know their best chance of winning the series is to produce a smash-and-grab raid in game one and then finish the job in Auckland on Friday night.
BREAKERS V TIGERS
(Best of three)Game 1: Wed Feb 25, Melbourne - Te Reo channel - 9.30 PM
Game 2: Fri Feb 27, North Shore Events Centre - Maori Television - 8.00 PM
Game 3: Sun March 1, Melbourne (if required) - Maori Television - 9.00 PM

February 19, 2009 - Breakers v Adeldaide 36'ers

2009-02-20T07:52:00.003+13:00

The Breakers have stormed into the Australian basketball League semifinals for the first time after a resounding 131-101 win over Adelaide.
The Breakers led by 15 points after just six minutes but a poor second quarter kept the 36ers in it, with the Breakers leading by just four at the break.
So well did the Breakers play that they had a near sell out North Shore Events centre crowd on its feet with a staggering final quarter blitz, rattling up 45 points to notch their highest ever score.
Kirk Penney top scored with 31 points while CJ Bruton made 26.
The Breakers now face the table topping Melbourne Tigers in a best of three playoff series with game one across the Tasman on Wednesday.

Our Gamebreaker moment comes with one second to go in the third quarter! Phill Jones scores - and his Mum and Dad join in the celebrations!

February 12, 2009 - Breakers v Cairns Taipans

2009-02-13T07:47:00.008+13:00

The Breakers have rediscovered their mojo just in time for the playoffs and posted a 103-69 win over the Cairns Taipans to book a home playoff in the Australian basketball league.
They are now guaranteed a third place finish in the regular season and are likely to host the Adelaide 36ers in Auckland next Thursday, although the playoff draw will not be released until Sunday. The Breakers have never hosted a playoff before in what is is their sixth season in the competition.
Kirk Penney top scored for the Breakers with 19-points, Rick Rickert, Ronaldson and Phill Jones added 16, 15 and 14 points respectively.
The Breakers complete their regular season programme against the Sydney Spirit across the Tasman tomorrow night.
Our Gamebreaker moment featured, yes! Kirk Penney at the beginning of the fourth quarter

January 29, 2009 - Breakers v South Dragons

2009-01-30T08:00:00.003+13:00

The South Dragons have beaten the Breakers 101-94 at Auckland's North Shore to cement their number one position on the ladder. The Dragons led by as many as 20 points at one stage during the third quarter, before the Breakers found some of their mojo, closing to within four.
It is a sixth loss in seven ANBL matches for the Breakers, all this month, although they remain third on the ladder.
The health of CJ Bruton will be crucial to the Breakers' chances in the playoffs. Everything the Breakers do goes through Bruton so his fitness should be key for them.
The Dragons' win puts them in the box seat to secure one of the top two playoff spots
The Breakers have four games in the regular season to play.
Our Gamebreaker moment this week comes from the stellar hands of stalwart Kirk Penney

For more updates on the Breakers, go to www.nzbreakers.co.nz

January 22, 2009 - Breakers v Melbourne Tigers

2009-01-23T08:05:00.004+13:00

A self-assessed poor performance from the Breakers in round 19 of the Australian basketball league.
The Melbourne Tigers have moved into second place on the competition ladder after a 103-85 win on Auckland's North Shore. The Breakers led by a point at half time but the visitors dominated the final two quarters to seal the victory.
Ebi Ere led the way for the defending champions with a sensational second half display, while Kirk Penney worked tirelessly for the hosts, collecting a game high 28 points.
Both teams now have a 16 win, eight loss record but Melbourne is ahead on points differential.
The Breakers have a chance for instant redemption when they square off with the Tigers again in Melbourne tomorrow night.
The astounding Kirk Penney gets our nod as Gamebreaker for this week (again)
And don't forget we have passes to next weeks game - all you have to do is email info@maoritelevision.com

And for up to date schedule information and other Breakers news, go to http://www.blogger.com/www.nzbreakers.co.nz

January 15, 2009 - Breakers v Townsville Crocs

2009-01-16T08:20:00.005+13:00

A power cut before the final quarter failed to deter a fired up Breakers squad from a trouncing of the Townsville Crocodiles.
They scored their first win for '09 at home beating the Crocs 95-86 at the North Shore Events Centre - leading 49-35 at half-time.
Kirk Penney had a game high 29 points while CJ Bruton continued his return from an ankle injury with 12 points from just 22 minutes of court time.
The win puts the Breakers second on the points ladder.
The Tigers loom next week in a match-up that has many playoff implications. If Bruton's ankle continues to come right, it could be a clash that could re-establish the championship momentum for the Breakers.
This week's gamebreaker moment was a a classic piece of work between Kirk Penney and Phill Jones.

We have double passes to win - email info@maoritelevision.com and be in to win!

For more Breakers information, go to http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/

December 18, 2008 - Breakers v Sydney Spirit

2008-12-19T10:23:00.004+13:00

Just two weeks after their worst performances of the season, the New Zealand Breakers returned to basketball action last night in Auckland with a resounding victory over the Sydney Spirit side 114-70, to take their record to 14-4 for the season.
The victory takes the Breakers’ home record to 8-3 for the season and breaks the record set earlier this season against Adelaide for their biggest ever winning margin in the NBL.
The athletic Thomas Abercrombie showcased some of his high-flying skills in the final quarter - and one of those is our Gamebreaker this week.

We have tickets to give away to all the January home games (15th, 22nd and 29th) - to be in to win, please email info@maoritelevision.com.

And for up to the minute team information, visit http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz

December 4, 2008 - Breakers v Townsville Crocs

2008-12-05T08:18:00.003+13:00

The Breakers have been bitten 104-88 by the Townsville Crocodiles at the North Shore Events Centre with the Breakers never managing to gain the lead at any stage of the match.
Kirk Penney scored a game-high 26 points while Rick Rickert added 13 points and gathered 13 rebounds. Penney, CJ Bruton, Tony Ronaldson failed to sink a single three-pointer, Phill Jones made one from five, while Oscar Forman made a slight impression with 50 percent.
Overall, the Breakers shot just 20 percent from the three-point line, while the Crocodiles nailed 52 percent from the same spot.
It was a fourth loss of the season for the Breakers who are tied at the top of the table with South Dragons, and they now have a two week break before hosting the Sydney Spirit.
Our Gamebreaker moment from this week's game is calssic Kirk Penney.

We have five double passes to give away to this next home game on December 18 - email info@maorielevision.com to be in to win.

For more information on the Breakers, go to http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz

November 27, 2008 - Breakers v Perth Wildcats

2008-11-28T08:13:00.004+13:00

It's now five wins in a row for the Breakers..
They beat the Perth Wildcats 108-94 at home after a slow start.
The Breakers trailed 35-22 after the first quarter and were still down 44-47 at halftime.
But a massive 44 points from CJ Bruton and Phill Jones allowed the team to pull the score back. Oscar Forman scored 19 points and Rick Rickert added 17. Kirk Penney had a rare off night, scoring just six points
The result sees the Breakers level with the South Dragons at the top of the championship ladder.
Our Gamebreaker moment is a fabulous moment from Tony Ronaldson.
The Breakers are at home next week against the Townsville Crocs - we have five double passes to giveaway - to be in to win, email info@maoritelevison.com.

For up to date ticket, player and schedule information, please go to http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz

November 20, 2008 - Breakers v South Dragons

2008-11-21T08:15:00.004+13:00

The New Zealand Breakers produced an excellent display to beat the South Dragons 112-98 and move to the top of the Australian Basketball League table.
Kirk Penney with 27, CJ Bruton with 20 and Tony Ronaldson with 19 points dominated the scoring for the Breakers.
The scoring was impressive and to finish with 112 points against the most defensive team in the league is very pleasing.
The Breakers now have 11 wins and just three losses for the season.
The Breakers have a week before their next match, against the Perth Wildcats at home.

We have five double passes to giveaway - if you'd like to go in the draw, please email info@maoritelevision.com

This weeks Gamebreaker was hard to pick - there were so many - but we'll call it and take a sublime Phill Jones moment

November 7, 2008 - Breakers v Adelaide 36ers

2008-11-07T07:53:00.003+13:00

The Breakers were upset 96-86 by the Adelaide 36ers at the North Shore Events Centre with the visitors turning around a 38 point deficit from their last outing in Auckland. The Breakers were without the suspended Phill Jones, while point guard CJ Bruton did not feature after injuring his back minutes before tip-off.
Without Jones and Bruton they lost two of their scoring threats and the rest of the team did not step up enough while Adelaide defended admirably.
The Breakers remain second on the ladder with a seven win, three loss record.
The Breakers' next three games are on the road and they are not back at the North Shore Events Centre until November 20. We have five double passes to give away - to be in to win, please email info@maoritelevision.com
For more on schedules, game stats and ticket information, go to http://www.blogger.com/www.nzbreakers.co.nz

October 31, 2008 - Breakers v Perth Wildcats

2008-10-31T08:39:00.005+13:00

Good to have the team back at home with their fans giving it all they had last night at the North Shore Events Centre.
And the Breakers needed the home crowd support as they had a lack lustre start and suffered from flat spells throughout the game. Kirk Penney's ankle injury hampered his game, despite his best efforts.
They only hit the lead for the first time with just under four minutes remaining when CJ Bruton nailed his second three-pointer of the match.
They had trailed by as many as 18 at one point, but they hung tough, made some extraordinary shots down the court and in the end, took a controversial win when Penney, who shook off his injury with a game high 24 points, was fouled with under a second left, the scores locked 99-99.
Referee Alan Godden called Ben Knight for a dubious foul on the play and, amid mayhem, with Wildcats coach Conner Henry going berserk on the sidelines, Penney stepped up to nail all three foul-throws.
This is our Gamebreaker moment of the match.....if you want to be courtside for the next game, please email us and be in to win five double passes http://www.blogger.com/info@maoritelevision.com

For schedules and more information on the Breakers - please go to http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/

October 16, 2008 - Breakers v Gold Coast Blaze

2008-10-17T07:42:00.007+13:00

After the Breakers shock loss last week, they have ended their run of five home games on a high note, taking out the Gold Coast Blaze 120-108.
My Gamebreaker moment was a buzzer beater from an unlikely hero, Paul Henare.
It came at the end of the third quarter, a three pointer and kept the Breakers ahead going into the final quarter.
The Breakers stay on top of the NBL ladder and finish this home game run 4-1 up.
The Breakers seek revenge against the Taipans in Cairns next Wednesday, and then the Blaze which are their first road matches of the season.
Let's hear you comments on the Gamebreaker!
For more information on the Breakers, please go to http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz

October 9, 2008 Breakers v Taipans

2008-10-10T08:44:00.004+13:00

Taipans 122 - Breakers 111. The scoreline said it all as the Breakers went down against a side notching their third win in as many trips.
The Breakers suffered a bad run of foul counts with 37-25 against them. Kirk Penney too, was having a night where things were not coming together, his run of misses in the final quarter ruining any chances of a late comeback.
My Gamebreaker moment though is still a Breakers moment - a piece of magic from Paul Henare.
The Breakers drew level half way through the second quarter when Henare stole a wide pass and romped down the court for a superb lay up.
I'd love to have your comments on the game - and we have five double passes for the home game against the Gold Coast Blaze (Oct 16) next Thursday. Just email info@maoritelevision.com

For more information on the Breakers, go to http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/

October 2, 2008. Breakers v Adelaide 36'ers.

2008-10-03T07:57:00.005+13:00

The Breakers have their best start ever in the ANBL after three rounds of the Australian basketball league, having thumped the second placed Adelaide 36ers 118-80 on Auckland's North Shore.

Kirk Penney again led the scorers with 34 points, with another six Breakers making double figures. The home side was never threatened, dominating from the tip off and scoring the first nine points,leading 23-14 at quarter time and 55-34 at halftime.
The Breakers are playing like a true team, covering and supporting each other in every move.
My Gamebreaker was a steal from Kirk Penney (one of his six match steals)nney, missing the lay up with Oscar Forman finishing it off.

The Breakers face the Cairns Taipans on Auckland's North Shore next Thursday.
We have five double passes to give away - just email info@maoritelevision.com to be in to win.

For more information on the Breakers, go to http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/

September 25, 2008. Breakers V Tigers

2008-09-26T07:23:00.005+12:00

The Breakers are two from two after knocking over defending champions the Melbourne Tigers on Auckland's North Shore, winning 120 -111 to send a clear signal they are a force to be reckoned with this season. The Breakers led 59-58 at half-time.
My Gamebreaker moment came at the buzzer in the third quarter. CJ got cornered and got the ball out to Kirk Penney, who scored the three pointer with deadly accuracy.
It certainly gave the Breakers an edge heading into the final quarter.
Forwards Tony Ronaldson and Oscar Forman led the scoring for the Breakers with 23 points each. It was clear their defence was the key and that allowed them to create some good offence.
The Breakers are back at the North Shore Events Centre next week and have three more home games before they hit the road.
I'd love your comments on the game - and we have five double passes to the game at the North Shore Events centre. Email info@maoritelevision.com to be in to win!

For up to date news, schedules and ticket information go to http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz

September 18, 2008. Breakers V Hawks

2008-09-19T08:09:00.006+12:00

The Breakers lived up to the pre-season hype last night with a superb result against the Hawks.The star of the game was Breakers shooting guard Kirk Penney who scored a career high 41 points.

Kirk Penney unleashed in the second half, with just 10 of his points coming in the first as the Breakers struggled to get up to speed.

This gives the Breakers a flying start for the new season. I think the side lifted their defensive intensity after a lacklustre first half.

The Breakers face the defending champion Tigers in their next game.

Our Gamebreaker moment for this week is anothe magic Kirk Penney moment, in the final three minutes of the third quarter.

This was his fifth three pointer of the game.I'd love your comments on the game - and we have five double passes to the Tigers game at the North Shore Events centre. Email info@maoritelevision.com to be in to win!

For up to date news, schedules and ticket information go to http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz

2008-08-12T13:02:00.004+12:00

This season is set to be the Breakers best and we're inviting you to be part of it.
During each Breakers home game, we're going to identify the defining moment or moments of the game.
The "Gamebreaker" will then be posted on this site and we welcome your comments. You may feel that it's a perfectly justified decision, or that another moment in the game had more magic.
We'll have great prizes on offer during the season for the best remarks about the "Gamebreaker", so keep checking back.
I'll talk a little about the commentary from the plays the night before and my thoughts on the game.

And to remind us what a "Gamebreaker" is all about, here's the magic Phill Jones moment from last season.

And for more news on the Breakers, head on over to http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/