Breakers lose their way against Knights

Flying high on a six-game winning streak, MK Breakers Men welcomed Newcastle Knights to Bletchley Leisure Centre on Saturday for a high-stakes British Championship Basketball clash.

Indeed, while that rich vein of form had lifted the home side into third place, the visitors – who lead the league in scoring (99.6 points per game) – sat top of the table and had won five of their last six outings.

Breakers would get off to a bright start, leading 29-21 after a first quarter that saw seven different players get their name on the score sheet.

The game would remain close at half time, before an excellent third quarter saw Head Coach Ben Stanley’s men extend their lead to 12.

The final 10 minutes began with back-to-back scores for Ben Baker, while a Jordan Spencer three kept the lead at 13. But, just as they have all season, Newcastle hung around long enough for their high-powered offence to click into gear and ensure that no advantage is safe.

Jaron Thames and Sam Trunley both hit big shots to close the gap, before Bradley Dean put Knights ahead for the first time since the opening quarter. Breakers quickly answered, Jordan Spencer putting them up two with 1:39 left to play, only for Thames and Dean to come up with huge shots once again.

That would be enough to condemn Breakers to their first defeat since early January, the 100-95 loss coming despite the efforts of Spencer (24 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists) and Dashawn Jackson (19 points, three assists).

Up next is a trip to Derby on March 14, before taking on Yorkshire Dragons at Bletchley Leisure Centre the following weekend. Tip off will be at 17:00, with tickets for that encounter available here.