Hemel Storm Outlast Milton Keynes Breakers 99-93 in NBL Division 1 Trophy

Hemel Storm produced a high-powered home performance to defeat Milton Keynes Breakers 99-93 in the British NBL Division 1 Trophy on September 27, 2026. In a game defined by pace and perimeter shooting, the Storm made just enough plays in the fourth quarter to hold off a determined Breakers comeback.

Match Overview

Hemel Storm came out firing, scoring 27 points in the opening quarter and building an early 27-23 lead. The Breakers answered with a 25-point second period, briefly taking control before the Storm settled in to lead 49-48 at halftime.

The third quarter belonged to Hemel. The Storm increased their defensive pressure, forced Milton Keynes into hurried shots, and pushed their advantage to 73-68 heading into the final period. The Breakers refused to go away, but Hemel’s shot-making kept them in front.

Quarter-by-quarter scoring:

• Q1: Hemel Storm 27, Milton Keynes Breakers 23
• Q2: Hemel Storm 22, Milton Keynes Breakers 25
• Q3: Hemel Storm 24, Milton Keynes Breakers 20
• Q4: Hemel Storm 26, Milton Keynes Breakers 25
• Final: Hemel Storm 99, Milton Keynes Breakers 93

Key Moments

Leading 78-74 with just over seven minutes remaining, Hemel Storm delivered the decisive stretch of the game. Jordan Williams hit a step-back three, Reece Jones converted a fast-break layup, and Alex Brown added a put-back to cap a 10-2 run. That gave the Storm an 88-76 cushion and appeared to put the game out of reach.

Milton Keynes responded with a furious rally, cutting the lead to 94-90 in the final minute. However, Hemel made five of six free throws in the closing seconds and secured a key defensive rebound to seal the win.

Tactical Story

Hemel Storm’s offensive balance was the story. The Storm attacked from the perimeter and the paint, finishing with a strong assist-to-turnover ratio and several second-chance points. Their transition game also punished Milton Keynes after missed shots.

The Breakers shot well enough to stay close, but they were hurt by defensive breakdowns in the third quarter and a handful of empty possessions in the fourth. Milton Keynes’ half-court offense relied heavily on isolation plays, and Hemel’s help defense made those possessions difficult.

Standout Performers

Jordan Williams led Hemel Storm with 24 points, including several clutch baskets in the fourth quarter. Reece Jones added 22 points and controlled the tempo, while Alex Brown finished with 18 points and a game-high rebounding effort.

For Milton Keynes Breakers, Kieran Clarke scored 26 points in a losing effort. Daniel O’Sullivan added 20 and Marcus Hall contributed 15, but the Breakers could not get the defensive stops they needed late.

Standings and Trophy Impact

The victory boosts Hemel Storm’s position in the NBL Division 1 Trophy and gives them an important head-to-head result against a rival contender. Milton Keynes Breakers will rue a missed opportunity on the road, especially after staying within striking distance for much of the second half.

With the NBL Division 1 Trophy schedule moving quickly, both teams will need to recover fast. Hemel will look to build on its offensive rhythm, while Milton Keynes will focus on tightening its half-court defense and late-game execution.