Parker Jackson-Cartwright of the Breakers. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt/PHOTOSPORT) Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
The Breakers fended off a determined Brisbane Bullets side to secure a 91-87 win in their NBL season opener in Perth on Saturday night.
Led by Sam Mennenga and Parker Jackson-Cartwright, the Breakers held their nerve in a tightly contested fourth quarter to seal the result.
Mennenga top-scored for the Breakers with a joint career high 22 points and was named player of the match.
Guard Jackson-Cartwright recorded a double-double with 20 points and a game-high 11 assists.
Keandre Cook scored a game-high 25 points including five three-pointers for the Bullets.
The Breakers out-rebounded the Bullets 36-26 with Jonah Bolden adding seven points and six rebounds, while Matt Mooney scored 10 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Mojave King also contributed 12 points off the bench.
Head coach Petteri Koponen was pleased to open the season with a win.
"I thought for the first 30 minutes we were excellent. Brisbane put the pressure on at the end but the most important thing was the guys showed themselves they can win in this league," Koponen said.
"The guys did an excellent job of putting out what we practised during the week. It's a good way to start and we will keep improving."
The Breakers next game is at home with the New Zealand side hosting the S.E. Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday 29 September at Spark Arena in Auckland, tip-off at 7.30pm.
"I've heard great things about Spark Arena and we can't wait to play in front of our home fans on Sunday. I hope the fans come and pack it out," Koponen said.