Illness Can't Stop Breakers

New Zealand stars William McDowell-White and Cam Gliddon overcame serious bouts of sickness to help the Breakers smash the Illawarra Hawks on Monday night.

After doubts lingered on if they would even play, McDowell-White and Gliddon rose to the occasion in the 88-62 victory, both starring in New Zealand’s third straight win.

McDowell-White amassed 17 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 1 block, revealing postgame he considered withdrawing himself from the clash.

“We’ve got some good people here and you just want to play hard for them,” McDowell-White said.

“I had no idea what I was going to do…I was very close to texting our physio and saying I’m out.”

Coach Mody Maor also praised Gliddon on his efforts to fight through illness.

“He didn’t look great this morning but pushed through it,” Maor said.

“The best offence against zone is Cam Gliddon, and I’m really happy I had him in my pocket today.

“We have a phenomenal group of players who really care about winning and are willing to put their hearts on the line and compete in every moment in the game.”

Maor is confident in his team and believes they haven’t “even scratched the surface of what each and every player can contribute”

The coach added New Zealand is building confidence and will be persistent in dealing with a busy schedule coming up.

“Our schedule is very challenging, and this group loves challenges,” Maor said.

“Winning is good for everybody’s confidence, but we take it one game at a time.

“We will learn what we did well, we will look at the film and see what we can do better.”

The 3-1 Breakers take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Thursday night.