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An important win for the Breakers and their bid for the playoffs in basketball's NBL

An important win for the Breakers and their bid for the playoffs in basketball's NBL

31 January 2026

They've come from eight down with five minutes to play to clinch a 97-95 home victory over Melbourne United.

With starters Sam Menenga and Rob Baker both out injured - coach Petteri Koponen says he's proud of how his squad stepped up, some out of position.

18-year-old Mexican star Karim Lopez poured in an NBL career-high 32 points.

The Breakers remain one spot outside the playoffs in seventh - but are now within one win of sixth-placed Tasmania.

BASKETBALL COVERAGE WITH BK'S TROPICAL WHOPPER. PINEAPPLE IN A BURGER. THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL WHOPPER YET

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Other Basketball News

30 Jan: The New Zealand Breakers have kept the NBL playoff door ajar with a 97-95 win over Melbourne United at Auckland's Spark Arena

29 Jan: The Australian basketball league's game review panel is to investigate 10 players and coaches following the brawl between Adelaide and Brisbane last night

29 Jan: Adelaide and Brisbane have given new meaning to the 'Ignite Cup' in basketball's ANBL

26 Jan: In NBA basketball today, the Detroit Pistons host the Sacramento Kings from 9am before the Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets tip off at 9.30

25 Jan: Kiwi Finn Fisher-Black has ended cycling's Tour Down Under with a bang, crossing second in a sprint on the final stage to take 25th overall

24 Jan: Another blow for the New Zealand Breakers, following last night's heartbreaking two-point overtime home loss to the Adelaide 36ers

24 Jan: Coach Petteri Koponen is putting his hand up for the crucial turnover in the Breakers overtime defeat to Adelaide in basketball's NBL

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