
It was a coming-out party for the New Zealand Breakers' Karim Lopez, the teenager having an NBL career-best 32 points to lead his team to a season-enlivening 97-95 win over Melbourne United.
The 18-year-old Next Star from Mexico needed to step up, with New Zealand having lost front-court pair Sam Mennenga (wrist) and Rob Baker II (knee) to long-term injuries.