The MK Breakers defeated Ipswich 103-68 to begin their defence of the National cup on Sunday afternoon in Suffolk.
After a short warm up the Breakers got off to a slow start, meanwhile the hosts hit the ground running, with Ellis Haggith converting a deep 3-pointer to open his account. Nate Robinson finally broke the duck for the Breakers, putting them on the scoreboard after three minutes of action. KJ Johnson then got in on the act to give the Breakers their first lead of the game at 3-4. Inside scores from Chris Tawiah and Adrian Scarborough followed by a 3-pointer from Blayne Freckleton would tie the game at 11 after 6 minutes of action. The Breakers lacklustre start would continue, as they managed just 15 first quarter points to Ipswich’s 22.
A rise in defensive intensity in the second quarter fuelled by Jaguar Jackson allowed the Breakers to find their footing in the game. Foul trouble for Ipswich big man Lee Linton-Hodges allowed the Breakers to attack the basket with ease, tying the game at 30 off the back of two Tawiah scores. Jackson then rattled off five quick points to put the visitors ahead 30-35. A much better defensive showing in quarter two held Ipswich to just 15 points and the Breakers led 37-46 at the half.
Coach Billy Beddow-Patel’s half time talk did the trick, as the Breakers came out of half time with an increased focus. Scarborough scored the first points of the half with a layup before a huge Nate Robinson fast break dunk was the first of two straight baskets for him. Another three-pointer for KJ Johnson pushed the lead out to 10 at 45-55. Kai Williams made a jumper of his own before corralling a huge offensive rebound and converting the put back to give the Breakers some breathing room at 48-61. Back to back scores from Scarborough and a Robinson 3-pointer pushed the Breakers out to a 68-51 lead with 10 minutes to play.
The Breakers produced their best offensive quarter of the game in the final 10 minutes pouring in 35 points whilst limiting the hosts to just 15. MK5D Academy player Noah Brown converted a layup with 23 seconds to go, bringing the score up to 103-68 with all 10 players making the score sheet.
Adrian Scarborough finished with 19 points and 9 rebounds whilst Kai Walker (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Chris Tawiah (10 points, 11 rebounds) both converted double doubles. Jaguar Jackson played his best game in a Breakers jersey with 17 points and 5 steals. KJ Johnson also reached double figures with 14 points on an efficient 6-9 shooting.
For Ipswich Ellis Haggis and Aaron Williams scored 14 points apiece whilst Lee Linton-Hodges (11) and Charlie Smythe (10) also reached double figures.
The Breakers will now travel to the Essex Rebels on Sunday December 1st to play in the fifth round of the National Cup, tip off time to be confirmed shortly.
Attention switches back to league action this week as the Breakers host Reading Rockets on Saturday 23rd November, 5pm tip off at Bletchley Leisure Centre. Tickets are going fast, you can purchase yours HERE.
Elsewhere today, Reading defeated Derby Trailblazers in the KitKing Trophy semifinal, meaning next Saturday’s game is not only a rematch of last season’s National Cup Final, but also a preview of the KitKing trophy final, scheduled for March 2025.
