Report: Ethan Jaiswal
The MK Breakers’ completed their regular season campaign on Saturday when they faced off against the UEA Panthers in a game that saw the Breakers deliver a signature, dominant display, winning 67-121 on the road. The game was a blowout victory for the Breakers, who led throughout and outscored the Panthers in each quarter – including a scintilating 47 point scoring output in the 2nd.
The Breakers started strong, quickly establishing a foothold in the game with baskets from Dante Langley, Jordan Spencer and Blayne Freckleton. The Panthers were able to keep the Breakers within touching distance by the end of the first quarter, with the visitors’ lead at 7 points, 17-24.
Tickets: MK Breakers vs Kent Crusaders Playoffs 2nd April
The second quarter saw the Breakers unleash a scoring cascade, with the league-winning squad posting 47 points. Luke Gregory dominated the inside and Blayne Freckleton would put on a shooting clinic in this quarter, scoring 5 3-pointers on his way to 25 points total for the game. Any attempt to mount a comeback would be thwarted by the Breakers’ defence: limiting their opponents to 17 points in the quarter again. By halftime, the Breakers had stretched their lead to a 37 point margin, 34-71.
Entering the third quarter, the Breakers continued their charge to victory. Spencer and Langley would open the scoring for the visiting side with a fast-break lay-up and a corner three-point shot, a sight Breakers fans have become accustomed to over the course of the season. The depth of the Breakers was put on display in this period, with Buai Luak, Eric Arriaga and Ethan Ratcliffe all putting themselves on the scoresheet. The bench contingent have played an increasingly important role over the course of the year, and as the regular season comes to a close, they have been integral in ensuring minutes are shared without a drop-off in performance when the starters are resting. 54-101.
Tickets: MK Breakers vs Kent Crusaders Playoffs 2nd April
The Breakers were in complete control in the final quarter, with baskets from 7 different players showing the comfortability of the NBL 3 East champions as they cruised to their 18th win in a row. Head Coach Billy Beddow was unavailable for this fixture and as a result, Assistant Coach Mitchell Timmins stepped up and led the way for the Breakers as they capped off their undefeated season. 67-121.
Blayne Freckleton and Luke Gregory led the Breakers in scoring with 25 points a-piece, Jordan Spencer also added 23.
With this victory, the Breakers end their regular season in style and in great form as they head into the playoffs with momentum on their side. They will be looking to continue their winning ways deep into the post-season as they prepare for their first matchup against 16-seed Kent Crusaders on April 2nd. The fixture will take place at Bletchley Leisure Centre and digital tickets can be purchased via the Breakers’ Lokkaroom, a new venture undertaken by the club to enhance the fan experience in all areas. Click here to buy yours.
