Social media post spurs former Breakers star on in NZ return

The Breakers have had their five-game winning streak ended in basketball’s Australian NBL.

Photo: Photosport

After a run which took them to the top of the league, the New Zealand side were beaten 92-84 by Perth in Auckland on Saturday night.

Former Breakers star Corey Webster led the visitors with a season-high 26 points.

Webster, who won three championships with the Breakers, entered the game with extra motivation after a now-removed social media post from the Breakers before the match.

“Yeah, in a way it did [motivate me],” he said post-game.

“I was pretty surprised by that. I’ve given my heart and soul to this club for many years and for them to personally go at me was a bit surprising.

“But I don’t need extra motivation when it comes to basketball. This is the game I love, I’ve done this for a long time, so I don’t need any extra motivation. But it was definitely there in the back of my mind.”

The Breakers led by four at halftime but a third-quarter blitz of 16 points from Webster swung the game in Perth’s favour.

The home side made a late bid to snatch back victory, but Webster stayed hot in the final quarter to keep the Breakers at arms length and give the visitors the victory.

Webster found solid support from from Brady Manek, who hit three threes in the final quarter and finished with 18 points, while star guard Bryce Cotton had 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds.

Barry Brown Jr was the best for New Zealand, putting up 27 points.

Fellow import Dererk Pardon had a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds.