Fast Break Report

Stat Line

Points Gary Ervin 26 (ADL), Tom Abercrombie 21 (NZB), Daniel Johnson 20 (ADL)

Rebounds Mika Vukona 11 (NZB), Alex Pledger 11 (NZB), 2 with 9

Assists Adam Gibson 6 (ALD), Gary Ervin 6 (ADL), Kerron Johnson 4 (NZB)

Steals Adam Gibson 3 (ADL), Gary Ervin 3 (ADL), Jarrid Frye 3 (ADL)

Blocks Alex Pledger 3 (NZB), Adam Gibson 3 (ADL), Anthony Petrie 2 (ADL)

How It Unfolded

“……...” – Every Breakers fan following Gary Ervin’s last second winning layup.

It was a much improved performance, though one still littered with silly errors, and ultimately a game they should have won, but didn’t. The Breakers blew out early thanks to a couple big buckets from Tom Abercrombie, but Adelaide are a very good team, and they levelled things up quickly, with the lead changing several times in the first half, before the 36ers went on a 14-2 run late in the second and held on for a 50-46 HT lead.

Coming out in the third, NZB were so much more efficient. They showed all game a confidence to play at a high level which has been lacking all year, though their momentum was marred by a lack of production. In the third, though, things clicked. A 16-2 run gave the Breakers a lead which they held for most of the rest of the game. Despite being the worst rebounding team (statistically) in the ANBL, the Breakers were great off the boards at Vector last night. Both Pledger and Vukona had 11, and Abercrombie had 9. Abercrombie (21pts 9reb) had his best game of the season, showing some of that 2011 form by being aggressive and willing to shoot. Fouls weren’t as big of an issue here either. In fact, it was the Breakers getting to the line, though they only shot 19/28, and this definitely cost them in the end, as did their 16 turnovers. Mika Vukona was great with 17pts & 11reb, but his 4 turnovers illustrated one of the few flaws in his game, that being that he doesn’t seem to think he has any flaws. I compared him a few weeks ago to Shawn Marion in the NBA, but I think Vukona thinks that he’s Andre Iguodala with some of the passes he tries to make. Vukona fouled out with a couple mins to go, though by then the game should have been in the bag.

Kerron Johnson had 5 turnovers, which ruined his otherwise solid 17 point/4 assist game. It was the fifth one that cost this team too. With Adelaide playing the foul game late, Corletto missed his first free throw of the season (it was his 350th ANBL game, too), but sunk a pair with 8 secs on the clock to give NZB a 3 point lead. Gary Ervin was fouled to prevent Adelaide shooting a 3, and though he tried to miss the second to get an offensive board, I guess his touch was just a little too good on the night, and he ‘accidentally’ buried the pair of ‘em. Then it was Ervin, the American import, who stepped in late with the steal and layup that won the game.

Stocks Up

Tom Abercrombie. That’s more like it. This was 2011 TA, charging the basket, never hesitating to take shots and magnetically drawing in rebounds. His 9 boards more than double his previous high of 4 this season, and his points total of 21 is also a best. Plus he had his first game with more than 2 trebles since the opener (Both with 3. He was 3/6 from 3pt-ville last night). More of this, please, Tommy.

Stocks Down

Kerron Johnson. 5 turnovers, man. But it wasn’t just that. Kerron has shown a reluctance to shoot open jump shots recently, preferring to drive to the basket, but teams are just blocking the lanes for him and forcing him to kick it out to others, or often coughing the ball up. He did have a couple of beautiful finishes still. He needs to be picking up more assists too, especially if he’s not scoring 20-plus each game.

Play of the Game

Just over 4 secs on the clock, the Breakers with the inbound pass in the 36ers half. 1 point up. Adelaide looking to foul, but instead Gary Ervin steps in front of Kerron’s pass and runs the length of the court for the buzzer beating and game winning layup: