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.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Thanks mate! Agreed, Townsville weren't horrible at all and battled all game, but their offensive schemes stalled when they needed them most. If they took better care of the ball they may well have gotten over the line.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
WRAP UP: Townsville battled manfully at Vector Arena, but in the end their porous defense in transition and inability to take care of the ball proved to be too much to overcome. 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. 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 19 points on 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 Crocs 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, and this is where Cedric Jackson did most of his damage. The Breakers shot 52% from three and held the Crocs to just a paltry 38% from the floor. Although the Crocs 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 Crocs had 12 to the Breakers six. That's all from me today, hope you enjoyed the coverage. The Illawarra Hawks are about to take on Melbourne United, make sure to check out The Roar's coverage for that game!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Townsville held their own there but just didn't execute well enough to get over the line. Plenty to work on for both sides. Thanks for the call Justin
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
The Breakers win! Townsville drew up a play for a quick three by Djeric's shot clanked off the rim and Cedric Jackson secured the rebound. Unfortunately for the Crocs, they started slowly and could never quite recover. Conklin was very good in the second quarter but outside of that was well held by Pledger and Charles Jackson. Match wrap up to come soon. Breakers win 89-81. Everard Bartlett and Cedric Jackson were the stand outs in the victory. Bartlett went 5/7 from three point range and was good for 19 points, whilst Cedric Jackson fell desperately short of a triple double: posting 14 points, 12 assists and 8 rebounds.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Conklin finally gets on the board in the second half! He hits the tough midrange jumper, he has 15. He has been invisible in the second half.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Time is the enemy for Townsville, less than two minutes left and the Breakers are up 87-79.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Leon Henry responds to Abercrombie's triple with one of his own. Unfortunately for the Crocs, they just can't get any stops down the stretch. The minute I say that, there is a turnover and Maynard completes the three point play!!! Crocs: 77, Breakers: 85.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
The Jackson's combine forces! Charles Jackson finishes Cedric Jackson's alley oop with the soft layup and the Breakers are 11 in front with three minutes left.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Jordair Jett has been monstrous in this final quarter! He is fouled and makes the driving layup. The lead has been cut to 9 again. Jett now has 16 points.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Norton drains a pair of free throws and he has six points. Jackson is still a chance for the triple double. He has 14 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. Crocs: 66, Breakers: 80. 5.11 left in the final quarter.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Bartlett!!! He is on fire today! He receives the dish from Jackson and knocks down his fifth three on the step back jumper. Cedric Jackson runs the floor in transition moments later, is fouled and gets the basket! And-1 opportunity for the Breakers guard. Crocs: 61, Breakers: 76. 6.30 left in the final quarter.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
The Crocs are only eight points down with 7.37 left. Conklin needs to lift if they are to be any chance.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Cedric Jackson shows little regard for Norton's defense and drains a three in his face. Norton answers back down the other end with a three of his own. Crocs: 61, Breakers: 69.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
It's three quarter time here at Vector Arena and the Crocs are looking vulnerable. The Breakers lead 66 to 52. Conklin was neutralised in the third quarter and failed to add to his 13 points. Bartlett and Cedric Jackson have been the stand outs for the Breakers tonight, and Te Rangi had a nice cameo in the third, knocking down a pair of triples. Townsville has a battle on its hands to win this one. They will need to take much better care of the ball in the final term to be any chance.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Jackson registers his ninth assist of the game, Djeric gets to the line after creating separation off the pick and pulling up. He knocks down both. Te Rangi answers back with a deep three from the parking lot! Jackson has 10 assists.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Alex Pledger with a nice pass to the open shooter in Te Rangi, who drains the three. Breakers up by 11.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Crocs are hanging in there but struggling to take that extra leap and get their execution right to come back to the Breakers.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Bartlett again! He drains his fourth triple of the game! Crocs: 48, Breakers: 58. Bartlett has 16.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
The Crocs have been loose with the ball for much of the night, they have 12 turnovers whilst the Breakers have just six. It's really hurt their chances tonight, the Breakers have scored 11 points from turnovers whilst the Crocs have made just the one field goal courtesy of turnovers. It could very well be the difference in this game.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Cedric Jackson showcases his best Dwight Howard impersonation and bricks both free throws at the line. Crocs: 44, Breakers: 53.