Yeah I hope the Breakers bring it tonight... A win on the board will do wonders for our confidence.

if jeremiah doesn't play Munford to have another field day on NZ

I won't be gutted if NZ don't get the win after everything that has gone on but I will be pissed off if they don't compete for 40mins at the very least.
NZ needs to see a lot more from everyone not named Finn Delaney but even he needs to get going in the first half and that's on Siva & WMW.

NZ need to put pressure on SEM by attacking the paint instead of spraying up 3's.
Attack Zhou Qi and go at his body to negate his shot blocking ability or get him away from the paint and use Wetzell's foot speed or Loe's range.

Jeremiah Martin is out tonight unfortunately for NZ.

Siva out early and SEM on fire from 3.
NZ have started well and got a couple of early fouls on Zhou Qi but Delaney also has a couple already

35 pts in the 1st for SEM

11/14 shooting for SEM.

NZ looking much better now SEM are hitting everything they throw up

Its two different games. One when Zhou Qi is on court, and another when he's in foul trouble.

WMW's such a great backup PG to have - his ability to get to the lane's enjoyable to watch.

Ousmane Dieng is unplayable on the defensive end right now, which is disappointing (both because of his status and also because we're thin on the forward line). Hugo Besson on the other hand - definitely fits the rotation already.

That dunk over Tohi was pretty
Breakers showing a lot more fight to finish the half only down by 3 with Siva, Martin and Abercrombie out.

Galloway missed a couple of bunnies and Bach hasn't found his stroke but WMW has played well both ends of the floor.

Losing your review on a clear block foul says a lot about Simon Mitchell's judgment. And if its WMW that's causing you to take timeouts (two I believe), then its not a good day at the office.

Agree with Dieng - I believe he'll get it. I just hope he can get in good defensive position and use his athleticism to recover, and neither's happening. Le'afa pulled a basic crossover and lost Dieng; that can't happen with that much of a height advantage.

Meanwhile - who would've thought Izayah Le'afa would be starting on this team?

Can't believe Mitchell thought he was over turning that call on Tohi lol, he was the leaning tower of Pisa

Le'afa has showed he more than belongs, such a tough defender and offers enough offensively.

Meanwhile - can someone tell me how Yanni set an illegal screen there? Time and distance for a player who didn't see the pick?

You'd like to see Dieng go for the block there rather than dive out of Creek's way.

Why didn't Bach get the same call after Tohi’s screen

Are we sure this isn't just a 1v1 game between Delany and Creek?

That miss from Pineau was something else.

Really like this Besson kid. Got a bit of Fournier to him.

And Hugo Besson decides now is the time for a heat check. Love his confidence.

Besson reminds me of a Fournier type of player - countrymen too.

Much better effort from the Breakers, especially taking into account the outs.

I know the Breakers lost the game, but if this meant we found out that Hugo Besson can play, then it was worth it. Hugo's the sixth man for this team!?!

Same vecayse same ref's and no accountability.. game never going to progress until new gen ref's who feel and know the game come through. It's a old boys club of old boys..need a good mop with great rake head to get rid ov the rusted on...how come we can see but they can't.heads in arse buried in sand. Let it flow it it flow

36 points is the most brutal assault in SEM franchise on-court history

What's the rule?

Can't be assed looking it up

Thought Wetzell screen was fair. Foul on Broekhoff for mine.

Real happy with the effort and the heart NZ showed.
If they play like that each week they'll chalk up a fair few wins, Creek & the Phoenix we’re just too good last night and losing Martin and then Siva hurt but massive credit to WMW & Besson.

"If the screen is set within the field of vision of a stationary opponent (front or lateral), the screener may establish the screen as close to them as they desire, provided there is no contact.

If the screen is set outside the field of vision of a stationary opponent, the screener must permit the opponent to take 1 normal step towards the screen without making contact.

If the opponent is in motion, the elements of time and distance shall apply. The screener must leave enough space so that the player who is being screened is able to avoid the screen by stopping or changing direction.

The distance required is never less than 1 and never more than 2 normal steps."

This is interesting because I'd argue under a literal interpretation of this, stacks of illegal screens go uncalled in the NBL.

In other words, this may be the rule but it's not what they're applying in the NBL. (Or indeed probably FIBA or NBA which I watch occasionally too)

Wetzells screen on Brokhoff wasn't that different to Smith-Milners on Bach yet completely different outcomes.
Both completely legal imo.

Fun game to watch despite the loss for the Breakers.

I've never seen Creek shoot so well from range so credit to him.
Adnam and Le'afa were excellent and Pineau was a pest on the boards.

Hopefully Siva, Martin & Abercrombie are available asap but pretty happy with the way WMW & Besson steeped up in their absence.

"NBA don't play by FIBA rules Einstein"

Thanks Mr Holmes

Just making the point that this rule seems out of kilter with any basketball I ever watch

Dieng finished the game well in spite of his hesitant start. The commentators certainly gave him wraps at the end.

What a stable of NS and young imports this year!

A lot of players really showed their class in this game. I didn't know McDowell-white could dunk let alone absolutely abuse Milner like that. Wetzell has more game than I realized. Besson and Dieng are legit. And Mitch Creek is probably the best Aussie in the league at this point. My only question with him is has he burned his Boomers bridge with all the allegations or is he still in that mix? He deserves to be considered on his play at least going forward.

Peyton Siva is out 4-6 weeks
Abercrombie & Martin both still out against Adelaide