The New Zealand Breakers secured a tough road win, beating the Illawarra Hawks 101-96 on January 11, 2026. In a fast-paced contest, the Breakers used a strong finish to overcome a resilient Hawks team and continue their push for a playoff berth. Illawarra started brightly, leveraging home-court energy to take an early lead, but the Breakers' bench unit provided a spark in the second quarter to swing momentum. The game remained tight throughout the second half, with the lead changing hands multiple times. The Breakers' experience shone through in the final minutes as they executed their half-court offense flawlessly and got crucial stops when needed. The victory was vital for New Zealand's ladder position, moving them ahead of several rivals in a congested mid-table. The Hawks' coach highlighted his young team's effort but acknowledged the need for better late-game execution. Key players from both sides delivered big scoring nights in an entertaining offensive showcase.