NBL27 Preview - Round 7 Game 2 vs New Zealand Breakers

An in-form Melbourne United are taking on the New Zealand Breakers inside John Cain Arena in their second game of a double-header in Hungry Jack’s Rookie Round this Monday November 2nd at 7:30pm. 

If United are able to come away with the win, it will be their third straight, bringing their record into the positive (6-5) for the first time this season. 

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Following their highest scoring win of the season against the Cairns Taipans last night, Head Coach Jacob Chance spoke on his takeaways from his team’s play in that contest.

“[Cairns] really challenged us to make some adjustments off the last time we saw them and Rhys Carter did a great job with the scout and the boys went and executed it to a tee,” Chance said. 

“When we're being accountable to the things we want to achieve and committing to

what we're trying to do and then that allows us to get out and play in transition and just play to [our] guys’ strengths, we're very fortunate with all the weapons we have on the floor. 

“We can attack teams in different ways. I think we're starting to build that collective intelligence to know which avenues to go down at the right times.”

Ahead of the Cup Eve matchup, Chance commented on what they’ll have to bring to the table to get the job done against New Zealand.

“New Zealand, like everyone in this league, they're looking for wins, but they're playing some good basketball,” Chance explained. 

“[The Taipans and Breakers] played a great game the other night, so it's going to be a great test for us with some of the weapons they have sitting over there.”

Coming off of a loss to the 36ers, Head Coach of the Breakers Gordon Herbert spoke on his desire to get his team back on track.

“I apologize to our fans. They deserve better,” Herbert said. 

“To a certain extent it's not whether you win or lose, it's are we getting better or not? we'll see what our response is on Monday and what our demeanor is.”

WHO’S HOT? WHO’S NOT?

Over the past three contests, United have been on an offensive tear, averaging just over 106 points per game in the stretch. 

These numbers are due, in no small part, to our star import duo of Cole Anthony and Josh Oduro. As a whole, their start to the season has been historic for United, and last night against the Taipans was no exception. The pair combined for 50 points in a win for a second straight game, shooting a combined 19/29 from the field in one of their most efficient outings of NBL27. 

Their scoring in big minutes has been paramount, but the relief off the bench for United, particularly from Joe Ingles, has played a key role in their success of late. 

In 21 minutes against the Taipans, the veteran had 16 points shooting an insane 4/5 from deep, whilst delivering a set of signature slick dimes to his teammates for scores. His ability to come off the bench and relieve some of the ball handling and decision making duties for Anthony is integral to United’s versatility, and will be as important against the Breakers. 

The Breakers are coming off of three straight losses, but are not to be ignored whenever they take the court, only losing those contests by a combined 15 points. 

New Zealand’s star center, Sam Mennenga, has been on a tear in NBL27, giving every matchup problems with his ball-handling ability and size. 

The Tall Black is averaging 23.5 points and a hair under nine rebounds per contest, but perhaps what is scariest about his game is his 51% shooting from three-point range on four attempts a game, which has opened up the floor for his team all year.

His play, paired with the return of perennial All-NBL guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright is a menacing proposition for any side, and will be a hefty task defensively for the boys in blue come Monday night. 

Before his injury, Jackson-Cartwright had five straight 20+ point games to start the season, averaging 9.4 assists to go along with it, and was in some of the best form of his career. 

If United are hungry for their third straight win, locking down these two will be a focal point for their defence.

‍

DETAILS 

Who: Melbourne United vs New Zealand Breakers

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEST, Monday November 2nd, 2026

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN via Disney+ and Kayo

Tickets are now 20% off: Here via AXS

‍

‍