Stat Lines

Points   R.Clarke 20 (WOL), T.Abercrombie 19 (NZB), D.Corletto 19 (NZB)

Rebounds   L.Davidson 11 (WOL), M.Vukona 8 (NZB), A.Pledger 7 (NZB)

Assists  K.Johnson 5 (NZB), C.Webster 5 (NZB), D.Corletto 4 (NZB)

Steals    Several tied at 1

Blocks   T.Abercrombie 2 (NZB), A.Pledger 2 (NZB), Several tied at 1

How It Unfolded

Despite a number of new names (including new coach Dean Vickerman), and without 2013 League MVP Cedric Jackson, who’s off to try his luck in Europe, among others, this was a typically clinical win from the 3 time defending champs. The first quarter was a close affair, but the fabulous Breaker boys established a lead in the second and never looked like giving it up. Daryl Corletto (19pts 4ass)sparked a 19-6 second quarter run with some lights-out shooting from 3 point range. He was 4-5 from beyond the arc on the night. In fact the Breakers as a team were 12-24 from 3 point attempts. It wasn’t quite an offensive clinic, though, this game was built upon a strong defensive foundation. Rotnei Clarke put up 20 points for the visitors, who were otherwise kept in check by the likes of Alex Pledger (7reb 2blk) and especially Mika Vukona (8reb 1blk 14pts). With the result in no danger, Vickerman was able to get some solid minutes for depth guys Reuben Te Rangi and Jeremiah Trueman, and finished the game with development players Alonzo Burton and Luke Wittiveen on the court. Tom Abercrombie lit it up in the second half for 14 points, after a relatively quiet opening stanza. New star-import Keron Johnson (14pts 5ass) eased himself in comfortably, and Corey Webster (14pts 5ass) put together one of his better games in a Breakers jersey off the bench covering both backcourt options. Speaking of Breakers jerseys, club legend Dillon Boucher had his retired, along with, oh yeah, the ceremonial raising of yet another championship banner. Here's to 4 in a row!

Play of the Game

Tom Abercrombie with a cheeky steal, slams down another of his trademark dunks for some proverbial icing on the cake:

Stocks Up

Corey Webster definitely made a statement for his value as a sixth man. He was more energetic than usual, and managed to fill out his stat sheet in his 23 minutes on the court. Webster is in a position to make a big step up this season, this was a great start.

Stocks Down

37 year old CJ Bruton has nothing left to prove in his storied career. But only logging 14 minutes in this one will be disappointing for the veteran. Even more so his 1-4 shooting game (he had 3 points total).

Season MVP Standings

Daryl Corletto 3 pts

Mika Vukona 2 pts

Tom Abercrombie 1 pt

Match MVP Points

Daryl Corletto 3 pts

Mika Vukona 2 pts          

Tom Abercrombie 1 pt

Up Next

Friday 10.30pm: Townsville Crocodiles vs NZ Breakers, Townsville Entertainment Centre (NZT)

Saturday 10.30pm: Cairns Taipans vs NZ Breakers, Cairns Convention Centre (NZT)