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New Zealand Breakers 89
Townsville Crocodiles 81
The Townsville Crocodiles battled manfully at Vector Arena, but in the end their poor defence in transition and inability to take care of the ball proved to be too much to overcome as the New Zealand Breakers held on for their first win of the season by eight points.
Jordair Jett stepped it up in the final quarter and finished with 16 points, but the point guard battle was well and truly won by Cedric Jackson, who flirted with a triple double and was the key man for the Breakers on their way to taking out the win.
Every time Townsville threatened to make a run, it felt like Everard Bartlett dropped in a bomb from three point land. He was outstanding, finishing with 19 points from just nine shots. His five triples were crucial in the Breakers victory.
Brian Conklin had a strong first half, posting 13 points and five rebounds at the main break. But he disappeared for the Crocodiles down the stretch, and mustered just two points in the second half. However, despite his poor second half, the reigning MVP still finished with a double double (15 points, 12 rebounds).
The difference proved to be in the turnovers, and the points the Breakers generated from getting out in transition. It was often three versus one back on the fast break for the Breakers, and this is where Cedric Jackson did most of his damage.
The Breakers shot 52% from behind the three point line and held the Crocodiles to just a paltry 38 per cent from the floor.
Although the Crocodiles finished with only two more turnovers than the Breakers (14-12), midway through the third quarter, when much of the damage had been down, the Crocodiles had 12 to the Breakers six.
In the end, the Crocodiles right in the game, but lacking execution at crucial times and it has cost them the win against the Breakers in Auckland.
Both teams will begin round two with a short turnaround and in New South Wales as the Breakers take on the Illawarra Hawks on Wednesday night, and the Crocodiles face the Sydney Kings on Thursday.
The New Zealand Breakers will be looking to make amends for a poor performance on Thursday night by securing a win in their first home game against the Townsville Crocodiles who also are searching for their first win of the 2015-2016 NBL season. Join The Roar for live scores and updates from 1:00pm (AEDT).
The Breakers were outplayed by a ravenous Adelaide 36ers in their season opener, losing 90-71. The Breakers were poor for much of the game, shooting just 37 per cent from the floor and 20 per cent from deep, picking poor options for much of the night.
Cedric Jackson was the only shining light for the defending champions, posting 14 points and six assists in the loss.
Although the season is still young, the absence of Corey Webster in the Breakers’ back court could be too much to overcome. Webster connected on 42 per cent of his triples last season, and averaged over 15 points a contest. Nevertheless, a win against the Crocodiles at home would go a long way to the beginning of their 2014-2015 championship defence.
The Crocodiles will travel to Vector Arena with only one objective and that will be to defend. Townsville were soundly defeated by Melbourne United in Friday night’s game. The Crocodiles defence leaked points, especially in the paint, allowing United to shoot at 54 per cent from the floor.
There is no doubt that they will have to do a better job of locking down the paint and closing out on the perimeter if they are to be any chance against the Breakers.
Mitch Norton was particularly disappointing for Townsville, failing to have any significant impact on the game. Norton collected just six points and two assists for the night, which is well short of the output the Crocodiles need. Keep an eye out for a bounce back game from him.
Their best player though was last season’s MVP Brian Conklin, who registered 25 points.
Prediction:
Cedric Jackson should win the battle at point guard, and the Breakers will get their first victory on the board for season 2015-2016.
New Zealand by 17 points.
Join The Roar for live coverage of this match from 1pm (AEDT) on Sunday and don’t forget to leave a comment if you’re following along.
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