Breakers defeated by Perth Wildcats despite Sam Mennenga's 40-point performance

The New Zealand Breakers suffered a 100-84 defeat against the Perth Wildcats in Perth on Saturday night. Sam Mennenga recorded a career-high 40 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists in the loss. The result leaves the Breakers with a three-win, three-loss record for the NBL season.

The Breakers faced significant personnel shortages due to injuries, most notably the absence of star point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Jackson-Cartwright was ruled out with a lower leg injury and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. He was seen using crutches on pre-game footage at RAC Arena.

Other players unavailable for the match included Josiah-Jordan James, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Preston Le Gassick, who is dealing with an ankle and neck injury. Mojave King provided support for Mennenga by scoring 17 points. Carlin Davison also contributed as a playmaker, recording 11 assists in 23 minutes.

The Wildcats' victory was led by Dylan Windler with 32 points and Elijah Pepper with 25 points. The Breakers now face the Sydney Kings on Wednesday before playing the Tasmania JackJumpers next Sunday.

How it developed

• Sun 11 Oct, 1:27pmThe report noted that Jackson-Cartwright was seen using crutches on pre-game footage and included comments from Breakers president of basketball Dillon Boucher regarding his medical management.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on the specific nature of Preston Le Gassick's injury, citing an ankle and neck injury in one report and a neck and shoulder injury in another
• One report identifies Josiah-Jordan James as having a hamstring injury, while another refers to him as a 'crocked import'

Compiled from reports by The Post, RNZ and NZ Herald.