NBL Round 9: New Zealand Breakers are defeated by Perth Wildcats

NBL is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 9 rounds left. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked New Zealand Breakers (11-4) in Auckland on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by seventh ranked Perth Wildcats (6-7) 92-84. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of New Zealand Breakers. Perth Wildcats made 20-of-21 free shots (95.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. New Zealand guard Corey Webster (188-1988, college: Lambuth) stepped up and scored 26 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and American guard Bryce Cotton (182-1992, college: Providence, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!). Perth Wildcats' coach John Rillie used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was American Barry Brown Jr (190-1996, college: Kansas St.) with 27 points. Perth Wildcats maintains seventh place with 6-7 record. New Zealand Breakers at the other side still keep top position with four games lost. Perth Wildcats are looking forward to face United (#8) in Melbourne in the next round. New Zealand Breakers will play at home against the league's second-placed Kings (#2) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Important game to mention about took place in Findon. Fifth ranked Adelaide 36ers (6-6) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 3rd placed Cairns Taipans (7-5) 78-75 on Friday evening. American guard Antonius Cleveland (196-1994, college: SEMO) nailed 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and Robert Franks accounted for 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). American guard Tahjere McCall (193-1994, college: Tennessee St.) came up with 24 points for Cairns Taipans in the defeat. Despite that victory Adelaide 36ers went down to sixth position due to points difference. Cairns Taipans at the other side dropped to the fourth place with five games lost. Adelaide 36ers will play against higher ranked Melbourne Phoenix (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Cairns Taipans will play against Bullets and hope to get back on the winning track.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Melbourne: Melbourne Phoenix (#4) and United (#8). Melbourne Phoenix (8-6) won against visiting United (5-10) 78-72. The best player for the winners was Alan Williams who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Xavier Rathan-Mayes who recorded 15 points and 7 assists. United's coach rotated nineteen players in this game, but that didn't help. Melbourne Phoenix moved-up to third place. United lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with ten games lost. Melbourne Phoenix's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Melbourne to the arena United.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 9: Perth lost to Brisbane on the opponent's court 95-106. NZL Breakers outscored SE Melbourne in a home game 110-84. Adelaide was rolled over Sydney on the road 97-78. Brisbane was defeated by Tasmania JJ on its own court 84-99. Melbourne was beaten by Illawarra in Gwynneville 93-79.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 29 points and 9 rebounds by Samson Froling of Illawarra.

Brisbane - Perth 106-95

There was a minor upset in Brisbane where 7th ranked Perth Wildcats (6-7) were defeated by ninth ranked Bullets (4-8) 106-95 on Thursday. Bullets had a 37-24 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was international guard Nathan Sobey (190-1990, college: Wyoming) who scored 28 points. The former international guard Jason Cadee (186-1991) chipped in 15 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Four Bullets players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Bryce Cotton (182-1992, college: Providence, agency: Pensack Sports) who recorded 30 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import forward Brady Manek (206-1998, college: UNC) added 17 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Perth Wildcats' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Bullets maintains ninth place with 4-8 record. Loser Perth Wildcats keep the seventh position with seven games lost. Bullets will meet higher ranked Cairns Taipans (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Perth Wildcats will play against United and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Brisbane: N.Sobey 28+4reb+3ast, T.Krebs 18+2reb+2ast, T.Johnson 18+6reb+3ast, J.Cadee 15+8reb+8ast, D.Mitchell 10+5reb+3ast, H.Froling 9+13reb
Perth: B.Cotton 30+5reb+3ast, B.Manek 17+7reb+2ast, T.Thomas 13+4reb, M.Majok 8+3reb+2ast, L.Travers 7+8reb+4ast, T.Blanchfield 6+4reb+2ast

NZL Breakers - SE Melbourne 110-84

Rather predictable result in Auckland where first ranked New Zealand Breakers (11-4) smashed 4th placed Melbourne Phoenix (8-6) 110-84 on Thursday. New Zealand Breakers made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 56.0 percentage. The best player for the winners was American Barry Brown Jr (190-1996, college: Kansas St.) who scored 31 points. The former international guard William McDowell-White (196-1998, college: Fresno St.) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points, 5 rebounds and 11 assists. Four New Zealand Breakers players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Alan Williams (203-1993, college: UCSB) who recorded a double-double by scoring 29 points and 13 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field) and the former international swingman Mitch Creek (196-1992) added 19 points and 4 assists respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. New Zealand Breakers have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 11-4 record. Loser Melbourne Phoenix dropped to the third position with six games lost. New Zealand Breakers will meet at home league's second-placed Kings in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Melbourne Phoenix's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Melbourne to the arena United.
Top scorers:
NZL Breakers: B.Brown Jr. 31+1reb+2ast, J.Brantley 18+4reb+1ast, R.Loe 17+2reb, W.McDowell-White 14+5reb+11ast, D.Pardon 8+10reb, T.Abercrombie 6
SE Melbourne: A.Williams 29+13reb+2ast, M.Creek 19+3reb+4ast, G.Kell III 8+5reb+3ast, R.Broekhoff 7+3reb, R.Te Rangi 5+4reb+1ast, G.Browne 5

Adelaide - Cairns 78-75

Important game to mention about took place in Findon. Fifth ranked Adelaide 36ers (6-6) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 3rd placed Cairns Taipans (7-5) 78-75 on Friday evening. Adelaide 36ers outrebounded Cairns Taipans 45-34 including a 15-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. American guard Antonius Cleveland (196-1994, college: SEMO) nailed 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and his fellow American import forward Robert Franks (201-1996, college: WSU) accounted for 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). American guard Tahjere McCall (193-1994, college: Tennessee St.) came up with 24 points and the former international power forward Keanu Pinder (205-1995, college: Arizona) added 12 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Cairns Taipans in the defeat. Despite that victory Adelaide 36ers went down to sixth position due to points difference. Cairns Taipans at the other side dropped to the fourth place with five games lost. Adelaide 36ers will play against higher ranked Melbourne Phoenix (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Cairns Taipans will play against Bullets and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Adelaide: A.Cleveland 23+8reb+4ast, R.Franks 15+7reb+4ast, D.Johnson 10+9reb+1ast, H.Harris 8+6reb, S.Dech 8+6reb+5ast, M.McCarron 7+6reb+2ast
Cairns: T.McCall 24+2reb+1ast, K.Pinder 12+8reb+1ast, S.Waardenburg 8+5reb+1ast, B.Kuol 7+1ast, D.Hogg 7+3reb+3ast, J.Antonio 5+3reb+1ast

NZL Breakers - Perth 84-92

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked New Zealand Breakers (11-4) in Auckland on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by seventh ranked Perth Wildcats (6-7) 92-84. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of New Zealand Breakers. Perth Wildcats made 20-of-21 free shots (95.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. New Zealand guard Corey Webster (188-1988, college: Lambuth) stepped up and scored 26 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and American guard Bryce Cotton (182-1992, college: Providence, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!). Perth Wildcats' coach John Rillie used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was American Barry Brown Jr (190-1996, college: Kansas St.) with 27 points and the other American import center Derek Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 14 rebounds. Perth Wildcats maintains seventh place with 6-7 record. New Zealand Breakers at the other side still keep top position with four games lost. Perth Wildcats are looking forward to face United (#8) in Melbourne in the next round. New Zealand Breakers will play at home against the league's second-placed Kings (#2) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Perth: C.Webster 26+5reb+4ast, B.Manek 18+6reb+1ast, B.Cotton 17+6reb+7ast, M.Majok 8+1reb, M.Norton 7+3reb+2ast, T.Thomas 6+6reb+4ast
NZL Breakers: B.Brown Jr. 27+2reb+1ast, D.Pardon 13+14reb+2ast, T.Abercrombie 10+1reb, J.Brantley 9+3reb+2ast, I.Mauriohooho-Le'afa 7+3reb+3ast, W.McDowell-White 7+4reb+9ast

SE Melbourne - Melbourne 78-72

Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Melbourne: Melbourne Phoenix (#4) and United (#8). Melbourne Phoenix (8-6) won against visiting United (5-10) 78-72. Melbourne Phoenix shot 25 for 35 from the free-throw line, while United only scored four points from the stripe. The best player for the winners was American center Alan Williams (203-1993, college: UCSB) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds. American-Puerto Rican point guard Gary Browne (185-1993, college: WVU) chipped in 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Canadian guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes (193-1994, college: FSU) who recorded 15 points and 7 assists and American guard Rayjon Tucker (191-1997, college: UALR) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Five Melbourne Phoenix and four United players scored in double figures. United's coach rotated nineteen players in this game, but that didn't help. Melbourne Phoenix moved-up to third place. United lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with ten games lost. Melbourne Phoenix's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Melbourne to the arena United.
Top scorers:
SE Melbourne: A.Williams 18+12reb+3ast, G.Browne 17+8reb+7ast, M.Creek 16+6reb+2ast, G.Kell III 14+3reb+3ast, R.Broekhoff 10+9reb+2ast, D.Pineau 2+2reb
Melbourne: X.Rathan-Mayes 15+1reb+7ast, C.Goulding 13+3reb+2ast, R.Tucker 12+5reb+2ast, M.Lee 10+8reb, B.Newley 8+6reb+1ast, D.Barlow 6+2reb

Sydney - Adelaide 97-78

Not a big story in a game in Sydney where 5th ranked Adelaide 36ers (6-6) were rolled over by second ranked Kings (9-3) 97-78 on Sunday. Kings dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Adelaide 36ers' 34. The best player for the winners was American guard Derrick Walton Jr (185-1995, college: Michigan) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 assists. Forward Xavier Cooks (203-1995, college: Winthrop) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international power forward Daniel Johnson (212-1988, college: Pepperdine) who recorded 21 points and 5 rebounds and American forward Robert Franks (201-1996, college: WSU) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Defending champion maintains second place with 9-3 record having five points less than leader NZL Breakers. Loser Adelaide 36ers dropped to the sixth position with six games lost. Kings will meet at home JackJumpers (#5) in the next round. Adelaide 36ers will play against Melbourne Phoenix and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sydney: T.Soares 18+2reb+1ast, D.Walton Jr. 16+2reb+11ast, X.Cooks 15+7reb+3ast, D.Vasiljevic 15+5reb, G.Jaylin 7+2reb, J.Simon 6+3reb
Adelaide: D.Johnson 21+5reb+2ast, R.Franks 16+5reb+3ast, K.Sotto 13+4reb, A.Cleveland 12+6reb, N.Marshall 6+3reb+2ast, S.Dech 4+4reb+2ast

Brisbane - Tasmania JJ 84-99

Everything went according to plan in Brisbane where fifth ranked JackJumpers (7-6) beat 9th ranked Bullets (4-8) 99-84 on Sunday. JackJumpers made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American Milton Doyle (193-1993, college: Loyola, IL) who scored 33 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds. The former international forward Jack McVeigh (203-1996, college: Nebraska) chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds. JackJumpers' coach Scott Roth allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the other side the best for losing team was international guard Nathan Sobey (190-1990, college: Wyoming) who recorded 20 points and 5 assists and center Gorjok Gak (211-1996, college: CBU) added 14 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively. Five JackJumpers and four Bullets players scored in double figures. JackJumpers maintains fifth place with 7-6 record. Loser Bullets keep the ninth position with eight games lost. JackJumpers will meet league's second-placed Kings in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Bullets will play against Cairns Taipans (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tasmania JJ: M.Doyle 33+9reb+3ast, J.McVeigh 16+7reb+3ast, J.Magette 13+1reb+2ast, C.Steindl 11+1reb, W.Magnay 10+5reb+2ast, F.Krslovic 5+1ast
Brisbane: N.Sobey 20+3reb+5ast, T.Johnson 17+4reb+3ast, D.Mitchell 16+5reb, G.Gak 14+9reb+1ast, J.Cadee 7+4reb+5ast, H.Froling 6+6reb+1ast

Illawarra - Melbourne 93-79

There was a minor upset in Gwynneville where 8th ranked United (5-10) was defeated by bottom-ranked Illawarra Hawks (2-10) 93-79 on Monday. The best player for the winners was the former international power forward Samson Froling (212-2000, college: Creighton) who scored 29 points and 9 rebounds. American guard Michael Frazier II (191-1994, college: Florida) chipped in 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Five Illawarra Hawks players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Rayjon Tucker (191-1997, college: UALR) who recorded 27 points and the former international guard Chris Goulding (192-1988) added 13 points respectively. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Illawarra Hawks maintains tenth place with 2-10 record. United lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with ten games lost. Illawarra Hawks will meet higher ranked Cairns Taipans (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. United's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Melbourne Melbourne Phoenix.
Top scorers:
Illawarra: S.Froling 29+9reb+1ast, M.Frazier II 16+7reb+5ast, T.Harvey 15+1reb+2ast, D.Deng 11+9reb+2ast, H.William 10+3reb+2ast, M.Mathiang 7+5reb
Melbourne: R.Tucker 27+3reb+2ast, C.Goulding 13+3reb+3ast, M.Lee 10+6reb+1ast, X.Rathan-Mayes 9+3reb+3ast, B.Newley 8+4reb, D.Barlow 5+4reb+2ast



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