Box Score: Bradford Dragons 78 – 123 MK Breakers
Nate Robinson poured in a career-high 43 points, including 9 3-pointers, to see the MK Breakers past the Bradford Dragons 78-123 on Saturday evening in Halifax.
The long trip to Yorkshire showed in the opening few minutes as the Breakers struggled to get going offensively. A Luke Gregory lay-up and the first 2 of Robinson’s 43 points were the only scores in the opening 4 minutes for the visitors.
Kai Walker, making his first start of the season in the absence of Temi George converted an and-1 from a Gregory assist to open his account before Jordan Whelan responded for the hosts with a pair of free-throws, giving the Dragons a narrow 8-7 lead. This would be the last time the Breakers would trail as a Blayne Freckleton 3-pointer sparked a 13-4 Breakers run to end the first quarter and put the visitors 12-20 ahead after 10 minutes of action.
Two scores from Robinson sandwiched a Troy McIndoe hook-shot to open the second quarter before Adrian Scarborough opened his account for the evening with an and-1 in transition. Jaguar Jackson took his tally to 7 points with a 3-pointer as Scarborough continued to dominate the paint, hammering home a huge and-1 poster dunk on his way to 10 points personal in the quarter. The Breakers would lead 30-51 at half-time.
Tickets: MK Breakers vs Newcastle Knights 19th October
Another Robinson 3-pointer to open the second half would be a sign of things to come as the Breakers produced their best offensive half of the young season, pouring in 72 points with all 9 players contributing. Robinson was the star of the show with masterful shooting performance, going 9/16 from behind the arc for a career-high 43 points.
Despite a quiet first half due to foul trouble, KJ Johnson flirted with a triple-double on the eve of his 24th birthday, posting 11 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Jaguar Jackson played his best game of the season, finishing with 12 points in 17 minutes and Adrian Scarborough registered his trademark double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Captain Blayne Freckleton also reached double figures with 13 points on an efficient 4/5 shooting.
Jordan Whelan and Micah Savery-Richards scored 24 points-apiece for the Dragons. They were joined in double figures by Kofi Josephs with 12.
The Breakers now sit atop NBL Division 1 with 2 wins from 2. The team will be back in action at home this Saturday 19th October as they host Newcastle Knights at Bletchley Leisure Centre, 5pm tip-off. Tickets available HERE.
