Adelaide 36ers delivered a statement road performance, beating New Zealand Breakers 108-101 in National Basketball League play on 30 October 2026. The 36ers used a balanced scoring attack and a decisive late run to overcome a resilient Breakers side in a fast-paced contest.

Both teams played with pace from the opening quarter, but Adelaide’s ability to score inside and convert second-chance opportunities proved decisive. New Zealand stayed in contact behind strong guard play, yet the 36ers made the bigger plays in the final five minutes.

Match overview

The Breakers trailed 29-24 after the first quarter and 55-51 at halftime. New Zealand briefly took the lead in the third, but Adelaide answered with an 8-0 run to reclaim control. The fourth quarter became a trading of baskets until the 36ers pulled away late.

• Quarter scores: New Zealand 24-29, 27-26, 25-28, 25-25
• Final: New Zealand Breakers 101, Adelaide 36ers 108
• Top scorers: Kendric Davis led Adelaide with 26 points; Parker Jackson-Cartwright paced New Zealand with 29

Kendric Davis was the engine for Adelaide, scoring 26 points and adding nine assists. Montrezl Harrell provided a powerful interior presence with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Dejan Vasiljevic knocked down timely perimeter shots. For New Zealand, Parker Jackson-Cartwright was outstanding with 29 points, and Tacko Fall gave the Breakers a strong rim-running and rebounding presence.

Key moments

The decisive stretch came midway through the fourth. With the score tied at 91, Adelaide forced a turnover and converted it into a transition dunk. Davis then hit a step-back three, and Harrell followed with an and-one in the paint. The 8-0 burst gave the 36ers a cushion they never surrendered.

New Zealand cut the lead to three with just over a minute remaining, but Adelaide executed cleanly on the next possession. Davis found Vasiljevic in the corner for a three-pointer, and the Breakers’ next attempt missed. The 36ers sealed the game at the free-throw line.

Tactical story

Adelaide won the battle in the paint and on the offensive glass. Harrell’s physicality forced New Zealand’s defense to collapse, creating open looks for Davis and the shooters. The 36ers also pushed the pace after made baskets, catching the Breakers before their half-court defense could set.

New Zealand’s offense was effective when Jackson-Cartwright played out of pick-and-roll and attacked the drop coverage. However, the Breakers struggled to contain Adelaide’s dribble penetration in the second half and gave up too many second-chance points. The 36ers’ depth also proved important, with bench contributions helping them maintain energy through the final quarter.

Season impact

The win is a strong early-season statement for Adelaide and improves their position in the NBL standings. New Zealand will take encouragement from their offensive output but will know their defense must tighten in late-game situations. The result adds another competitive chapter to the NBL season and raises expectations for the next meeting between the clubs.