Milton Keynes make history on way to National Cup title

Milton Keynes Breakers became the first Division 2 side to win the Men’s National Cup in the modern era with a 95-85 win over Reading Rockets on Sunday at the National Basketball Performance Centre.

Jordan Spencer was named MVP, finishing with 34 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists as the Breakers made a little history, having brought back a group of hometown pros to make Milton Keynes a relevant basketball city again.

“We love the moment. We’re in Division Two but we feel like a Division One team and we’ve got players that can make big plays,” said Spencer.

“Our fans have been amazing from start to finish and it gave us that extra energy and a little bit of pressure too, so it worked out well for us.

“We’ve been prepping all week. Billy [Beddow] and our coaches have done a great job scouting wise, match-up wise and today, I knew I had to come out a little more aggressive than usual and make some plays for the team.

“It’s huge for British basketball. It was a great showcase. For anyone that watched it would have loved it and for us as a new club, we’re trying to start something big here and [the Cup win] is a great message for that.”

And with the win, making Milton Keynes basketball relevant again is exactly what they have done. Blayne Freckleton added 19 points, Dante Langley had 15, and Nathan Robinson finished with 14.

Zack Powell led Reading with 21 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while Mitch Clarke had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Box score.

Despite Reading getting the better of the first quarter, a 14-5 run in the second saw Breakers take a lead which they held on to, 42-35 at the half, behind the duo of Jordan Spencer and Blaye Freckleton as they combined for 27.

A Luak dunk via a feed from Jordan Spencer on the floor extended Breakers’ lead to 11 with two minutes remaining in the third, forcing Reading into a timeout but it made little difference.

Milton Keynes extended the lead to 16 heading into the final period, seemingly in control but Reading had other ideas.

A 10-0 Reading run compounded by three consecutive Breakers turnovers saw the Rockets pull it back to five to set up a thrilling finish.

With Jordan Spencer and Clarke trading threes, Milton Keynes eventually were able to hold off Reading and take their slice of history.

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