Andrews Leads, Stattmann Career-High in Breakers Defeat

A career-high 20 points from Kody Stattmann was not enough to finish the season with a win, with the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans falling to the New Zealand Breakers 115-84 at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland on Thursday night.

Cairns came into their season finale with plenty on the line beyond the scoreboard. 

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde reached his 150th game milestone for Cairns, Andrew Andrews went head-to-head with Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Sam Mennenga and Karim López returned to the Breakers lineup.

Mennenga set the tone immediately, scoring New Zealand’s opening eight points in an aggressive start against his former side. 

Cairns responded with a team first focus, sharing the ball and spreading the scoring load with every starter hitting the scoreboard during the Taipans’ first 12 points. That balance kept the visitors locked level at 24-24 at quarter time.

Cairns got the spark it wanted early in the second term, with Stattmann drilling back-to-back threes then finishing the highlight of the half with a two hand alley oop dunk off a Jack McVeigh lob after Reyne Smith supplied the hockey assist in the build up. 

New Zealand soon found separation by taking the quarter 37-20 to turn the deadlock into a 61-44 Breakers lead at halftime. 

Deadeye duo Stattmann and Smith were the bright sparks, both reaching double figures by the main break alongside Andrews.

Andrews tried to drag Cairns back into it, dictating play through traffic and keeping the Taipans organised against New Zealand’s high pressure. 

Midway through the third quarter he had 22 points and seven assists, while Jackson-Cartwright had 15 points and nine assists at the same stage. 

Every time Cairns looked ready to build a run, the Breakers had an answer and they carried an 88-66 lead into three-quarter-time.

New Zealand stayed in control down the stretch, continuing to convert quality looks and closing the game out 115-84.

Portland playmaker Andrews led Cairns with 24 points (8-16 FG) and seven assists, while Stattmann posted a career-high 20 points (7-12 FG) and five rebounds, while Smith added 13 points (5-11 FG).

Mennenga starred with 32 points (15-19 FG) and nine rebounds. Jackson-Cartwright recorded 19 points (9-16 FG) and 13 assists, Next Star López added 15 points (4-11 FG) and Carlin Davison had 15 points (7-10 FG) with 11 rebounds.

Boomers Bound 

Cairns had a pride point heading into the clash after Smith and Cairns born-and-bred Stattmann were selected in the Australian Boomers squad for the upcoming FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. 

Stattmann backed it up with a career-high night, while three-point specialist Smith has been a welcome return to the starting lineup following a long stint on the sidelines. 

"(Kody) has taken his opportunity with Reyne (Smith) out for two-thirds of the season," Forde said.

"He’s a big scoring guard, his ability to engage with the helpside defence has improved. He’s always been a confident and capable player, it’s just been a matter of getting an opportunity, which he’s taken and run with.

"He can create and pass and do a number of things that are tough to defend. He’s looking forward to his first Boomers call up for the FIBA window. He’s slowly stacking days and continually getting better.

"He’ll keep blossoming and growing in the future."

Mennenga Takes Over

Mennenga’s return from a wrist injury loomed large and the former Taipan played with force from the opening tip.

Cairns struggled to find a consistent answer for the big man, particularly with fellow Kiwi centre Sam Waardenburg sidelined. 

Davison also delivered a strong two-way performance, controlling the glass and setting the tone defensively.

Andrews v Jackson-Cartwright 

The floor general battle had extra spice with the season assists crown on the line.

Andrews entered the matchup averaging 7.6 assists per game to sit equal first with 36ers superstar Bryce Cotton, while Jackson-Cartwright was close behind at 7.4.

Andrews was Cairns’ engine with 24 points and seven assists, while Jackson-Cartwright’s control and creation helped New Zealand maintain separation, finishing with 19 points and 13 assists.