GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – Parker Jackson-Cartwright delivered a masterful performance, scoring 29 points and dishing out five assists, to lead the Novel Zealand Breakers to a thrilling 111-107 victory over the Adelaide 36ers in the inaugural Ignite Cup final on Sunday. The win, secured at a sold-out Gold Coast Convention Centre, not only earns the Breakers a significant $300,000 prize but also marks a turning point for the franchise after missing out on the NBL finals. This victory underscores the growing competitiveness of the New Zealand Breakers within the Hungry Jack’s NBL and signals a promising future for the team.
The Ignite Cup, a new in-season tournament introduced by the NBL, offered a lucrative $400,000 prize pool, with $100,000 awarded to the runners-up. The Breakers’ triumph wasn’t simply about the financial reward; it was about claiming the first-ever Ignite Cup trophy and establishing a winning culture. The game itself was a captivating contest, filled with dramatic swings and standout individual performances, ultimately culminating in a hard-fought victory for the New Zealand side. The Breakers, finishing seventh in the regular season, proved they could compete with the best, defeating the second-placed Adelaide 36ers in a stunning upset.
Breakers Overcome Second-Half Challenge
While the 36ers came out strong in the second quarter, building a six-point lead sparked by Bryce Cotton, the Breakers responded with a determined effort in the second half. Jackson-Cartwright’s 23 points after the break proved crucial, as New Zealand outscored Adelaide 64-53 in the final two quarters. The Breakers had previously struggled against the 36ers this season, losing all three prior matchups, making this victory all the more satisfying. The team’s ability to overcome this head-to-head disadvantage demonstrates their resilience and adaptability.
The game was punctuated by spectacular plays, including a powerful dunk by Carlin Davison over both Isaac Humphries and Zylan Cheatham, and an alley-oop from Cheatham himself. Though, it was the consistent scoring of Jackson-Cartwright, coupled with key contributions from Izaiah Brockington (21 points) and Sam Mennenga (21 points), that ultimately propelled the Breakers to victory. Mennenga’s performance was particularly noteworthy, coming in his second game back from a fractured wrist suffered against Adelaide on January 23, as reported by Fox Sports Australia.
Cotton and Cheatham Lead 36ers in Defeat
Despite the loss, the Adelaide 36ers received strong performances from their star players. Bryce Cotton led all scorers with 34 points and nine assists, while Nick Rakocevic added 21 points and 11 rebounds. Zylan Cheatham also contributed 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals. However, the 36ers’ supporting cast struggled to provide consistent support, ultimately proving insufficient to overcome the Breakers’ balanced attack. Cotton’s impressive shooting performance, going 13-for-14 from the free-throw line, wasn’t enough to secure the win for Adelaide.
The final moments of the game were particularly tense, with the 36ers cutting the Breakers’ lead to just two points with three free throws from Cheatham in the closing seconds. However, clutch foul shots from Sam Mennenga sealed the victory for New Zealand. The Breakers’ ability to maintain composure under pressure and execute down the stretch proved to be the deciding factor. The Ignite Cup final showcased the competitive spirit and high level of talent within the NBL.
Key Moments and Statistical Highlights
The game began with a frantic pace, with both teams trading baskets early on. Karim Lopez and Reuben Te Rangi helped the Breakers establish a narrow lead in the first quarter, shooting 73 percent from the field and hitting all four of their three-point attempts to lead 28-25. Adelaide responded strongly in the second quarter, fueled by Bryce Cotton’s offensive prowess, to take a 54-47 lead into halftime. Cotton finished the half with 17 points and seven assists, while Cheatham added 15 points on perfect shooting.
The third quarter saw the Breakers regain momentum, starting with a 10-2 run capped off by a three-pointer from Jackson-Cartwright. However, the 36ers battled back with a 13-3 run of their own, led by Nick Rakocevic and DJ Vasiljevic, to take a one-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Breakers then came out strong in the fourth, embarking on a 12-2 run sparked by Jackson-Cartwright, extending their lead to as much as seven points. The final minutes were a nail-biting affair, with both teams trading baskets and battling for every possession.
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
With the Ignite Cup secured, the New Zealand Breakers can now focus on building momentum for future seasons. The victory provides a significant boost to team morale and offers a platform for continued growth. The $300,000 prize money will undoubtedly be reinvested into the club, further strengthening its position within the NBL. According to nzsportswire.com, Breakers chairman Marc Mitchell hailed the victory as “a testament to the character and resilience of this group.”
The Adelaide 36ers, despite the defeat, remain a strong contender in the NBL finals. Finishing the regular season in second place with a 23-10 record, they are well-positioned to make a deep playoff run. They will now turn their attention to preparing for their upcoming playoff opponent, aiming to translate their regular-season success into a championship title. The 36ers will need to address their consistency issues and find ways to support their star players if they hope to achieve their ultimate goal.
Ignite Cup Final Scoreboard
HUNGRY JACK’S NBL SEASON 2025/26 – IGNITE CUP PRESENTED BY DISNEY+ FINAL
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 111 (Jackson-Cartwright 29, Brockington 21, Mennenga 21)
ADELAIDE 36ERS 107 (Cotton 34, Cheatham 21, Rakocevic 21)
The New Zealand Breakers’ victory in the inaugural Ignite Cup final is a significant achievement for the club and a testament to the talent and determination of its players. The team’s performance throughout the tournament, culminating in this impressive win, demonstrates their potential for future success. As the NBL season progresses, fans can expect to see continued excitement and fierce competition from both the Breakers and the 36ers.
The NBL playoffs are scheduled to commence in early March, with the Adelaide 36ers poised to contend for the championship. The Breakers, while not participating in the finals, will undoubtedly use this Ignite Cup victory as a springboard for future success. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of the NBL season and the latest updates on both teams.
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