Source: Radio New Zealand
Karim Lopez of the Breakers. photosport
Teenager Karim Lopez came alive in the closing minutes as the Breakers upset Melbourne United 97-95 in Auckland to keep their NBL playoff hopes alive.
The rising Mexican star scored 14 of his game-high 32 points in the last five minutes as the home side pulled ahead to secure a much-needed upset win.
It was a career-high haul for Lopez, whose deeds helped the Breakers overturn an eight point deficit with five minutes to play.
Victory lifts them to seventh (11-17) and one win behind the Jackjumpers (11-18), who hold down the sixth and final playoff spot, with the two teams to meet in a crucial contest in Tasmania on Sunday.
After that, the Breakers have just four games remaining as they launch a bold bid for a post-season berth, knowing they’re without the services of injured big men Rob Baker and Sam Mennenga for the rest of the campaign.
Lopez stepped into the void, the 18-year-old showing why he is regarded as a potential NBA player.
His scoring was complemented by eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
Robert Loe of the Breakers drives to the basket. photosport
Guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright finished with 23 points while centre Rob Loe’s 10 points were mixed with five rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
The Breakers shot exceptionally to open up a 17-8 lead but fourth-placed Melbourne edged the middle stages, led by 23 points from Jesse Edwards.
Former Breakers player Tom Abercrombie. David Rowland
After the match, former Breakers player Tom Abercrombie was honoured by having his jersey retired.
A four-time NBL champion, Abercrombie played from 2008 to 2024 and notched a club-record 429 games.
He addressed the crowd as his No.10 jersey was hung from the rafters at Spark Arena.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
