Match Preview: Sixers challenged to bring the energy against Breakers

Adelaide 36ers Head Coach Trevor Gleeson has challenged his side to step up its energy when it hosts the New Zealand Breakers in the club’s special Multicultural Round game on Sunday.

After going down in disappointing fashion against Illawarra on Friday night, the Sixers will be looking to respond despite the travel and short turnaround.

Gleeson said his side was taught a lesson about playing hard for the full 40 minutes, and the home crowd at the Adelaide Entertainment centre would demand the side be better against the Breakers.

“This, this is a tough league,” he commented.

“If you don't play hard enough, you're not going to win in this league…

“It doesn't matter (away) or at home. Hopefully we play with a little bit more energy back home or we're going to be in trouble.”

The Breakers are coming off a strong win over Cairns at Spark Arena on Wednesday night, picking up their first points in their Ignite Cup defence.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright was dominant in that game with 27 points while Sam Mennenga had 18 and nine boards.

Sunday’s game is a rematch of last season’s inaugural Ignite Cup, during which the New Zealand side broke away late to win the silverware, up on the Gold Coast.

This time, former Adelaide 36ers captain DJ Vasiljevic will be in Breakers colours after his off-season move across the ditch.

Sunday’s game gets underway at 4:30pm ACDT.

If you can’t be at the venue, you can watch it live on ESPN via Kayo or Disney+ or you can listen in to SEN SA’s live call of the game through the Adelaide 36ers app.

The last remaining tickets are available at Ticketek.

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ADELAIDE 36ERS v NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS

Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Sunday, 4 October, 4:30pm ACDT

Live on ESPN via Kayo Sports or Disney+

OVERALL

Played 84, Adelaide 40, New Zealand 44

At Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Played 11, Adelaide 8, New Zealand 3

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LAST FIVE MATCHES

*February 22, 2026 – Breakers 111-107 36ers at Gold Coast Convention Centre (*Ignite Cup Final)

February 14, 2026 – 36ers 92 def Breakers 89 at AEC

Jan 23, 2026 – 36ers 112 def Breakers 110 at Spark Arena, Auckland

Nov 6, 2025 – 36ers 83 def Breakers 79 at Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch

Jan 26, 2025 – 36ers 94 def Breakers 78 at AEC

Dec 14, 2024 – 36ers 111 def Breakers 94 at AEC

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