Division Two Men's Playoff Final: Milton Keynes Breakers v Team Solent Kestrels - 27.04.24

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It’s an all-NBL Division Two South affair to bring down the curtain on Saturday’s action from the NBPC, as Milton Keynes Breakers and Team Solent Kestrels go head-to-head.

The duo have already played out a pair of thrilling contests against each other during the regular season, with the title being won with literally the last basket of the year.

That last-gasp bucket belonged to MK captain Jordan Spencer, who sunk a pull-up jumper to push the Breakers’ lead over the Kestrels to eight points at 104-96, avenging Solent’s 87-80 win in Milton Keynes way back in October 2023.

Sealing the win and the head-to-head tiebreaker by a single point was enough to push the NBL National Cup champions to top spot despite both clubs finishing with identical 21-1 records, further highlighting how well matched these sides are this year.

That means the scene is now set for what should be a high-quality third and final installment of their exciting rivalry.

Both teams have been largely untroubled throughout the playoffs, with Solent beating North #3 seeds Manchester Magic 95-65 before knocking out North conference winners Bristol Hurricanes 110-51.

Milton Keynes beat #4 Teesside Lions 108-69, before moving on to a 110-66 win over last season’s playoff finalists St Helens Saints.

The Breakers current surge has been powered by Spencer, who has reeled off back-to-back triple-doubles since the playoffs began.

The Lions copped for a 22-point, 23-rebound, 14-assist effort, with the Saints enduring a 28-point, 15-assist, 14-rebound outing last weekend.

Solent can counter with Isa Brandon, who ranked second in efficiency, third in scoring, eighth in rebounding and fifth in steals across D2. Playing all but one game of the Kestrels’ season, he is another do-it-all talent that fans are sure to enjoy.

Understandably, both these teams dominated the South’s end of season award selections.

Jordan Spencer was POTY, with teammate Buai Luak claiming Young Player of the Year. Solent’s Brandon was the Defensive Player of the Year, with Matt Guymon taking the coaching award.

Spencer and Brandon both made the conference’s All-First Team with Russell Gariepy (Solent) and Chris Tawiah (MK) also joining them.

If that wasn’t enough, Spencer and Tawiah both made the British Team of the Year, being joined by Solent duo Elliot Dadds and Ashley Briggs.

These two sides are crammed full of talent across their rosters and have already played out two stunning contests so far this season.

Which side will take the third and final instalment remains to be seen, but it is bound to a highly enjoyable watch.