NZ Breakers Beat the Crocs
The New Zealand Breakers on Friday night clinched a semifinal matchup with the Townsville Crocodiles in front of what will be a record crowd at Vector Arena next Friday.
The Breakers scored their 21st victory of the season as they brushed aside the Crocs 76-69 to earn a post-season rematch in seven days' time.
The Breakers' victory ensured that the Crocs would finish fourth and the Blaze were guaranteed third regardless of what happens on Sunday when they host the defending champion Kiwi club in the last game of the regular season.
The Breakers advanced their record to 21-6 and their road mark to 8-5 in what could prove a psychological blow ahead of the semifinals.The win was the minor premiers' third straight over the Crocs through the round-robin.
The semifinal series will open in front of a sellout crowd of around 9500 on Friday night after the Auckland venue sold out all available tickets three hours after opening to the public today.
MVP candidate Thomas Abercrombie led the Breakers with a game-high 20 points on six-of-11 shooting. He was backed up by 16 points and six rebounds from American centre Gary Wilkinson.
As promised by coach Andrej Lemanis, minutes were spread evenly among the nine-strong squad that presented fit for play. The ill Leon Henry was not able to take the floor.
CJ Bruton added nine points for the Breakers who shrugged off a sub-par night from standout point guard Cedric Jackson who went two-of-11 from the floor en route to seven points, seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals and five turnovers.
Imports Elvin Mims and Eddie Gill combined for 25 points for the Crocs who did well to fight back from a 12-point deficit early and actually take the lead heading into the final term.
But the Breakers, who were kept to just nine third-quarter points, steadied themselves over the run home to secure a well-merited victory.
They are now just one win from equalling last season's regular season mark of 22-6, though with Jackson and Bruton due to be rested for Sunday's visit to the Blaze, it would appear they are ready to sacrifice the finale for some much-needed rest.
The Perth Wildcats will host the Blaze in game one of the other semifinal in West Australia next Saturday night.
Townsville Crocodiles 69 ( Elvin Mims 14, Eddie Gill 11),
NZ Breakers 76 (Thomas Abercrombie 20, Gary Wilkinson 16).
1Q: 14-26; HT: 40-43; 3Q: 53-52..
- © Fairfax NZ News
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