Point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright has helped keep NZ Breakers' ANBL playoff hopes alive, dazzling with a 31-point display against Illawarra Hawks in front of a packed Spark Arena.
With star import Anthony Lamb ruled out for the season with an Achilles rupture, Jackson-Cartwright took it upon himself to inspire his team in the must-win game.
He made 13 of his 21 shots, while knocking down two of his four attempts from deep. The speedy playmaker also collected seven assists, four rebounds and a pair of steals.
Jackson-Cartwright was most impressive in the second half. With his team trailing by one at halftime, he scored 10 points in the third, then eight in the fourth to close out the tight affair.
Will McDowell-White was also impressive, scoring 16, while acting as the primary ballhandler for much of the game.
The Hawks' best player was standout import Tyler Harvey, who scored 22 points, including three big triples late in the piece to keep his side in the game.
However, his efforts weren't enough, as the Breakers held on for a thrilling three-point win.
The victory lifts the Breakers from seventh to fourth on the ANBL ladder - good enough to host a spot in the play-in round, if they can remain there.
The Breakers have three games remaining in the regular season, visiting top-of-the-table Melbourne United on Sunday.
NZ Breakers 88 (Jackson-Cartwright 31, Mcdowell-White 16, Rubstavicius 13, Cheatham 12) Illawarra Hawks 85 (Harvey, Froling 16, Clark 15, Robinson 14)
