Fast Break Report

Stat Line

Points   T.Abercrombie 24 (NZB), 3 with 14

Rebounds   M.Vukona 10 (NZB), R.Hinder 8 (TVL), B.Conklin 7 (TVL)

Assists  M.Vukona 5 (NZB), J.Holmes 5 (TVL), 2 with 3

Steals    T.Blanvhfirld 2 (TVL), several with 1

Blocks   A.Pledger 2 (NZB), several with 1

How It Unfolded

The Breakers came away with an efficient 7 point win over the Crocs last night at NSEC. From the start they expressed an emphasis on their transition defence, where they had been leaking easy points all season. They were good for their word too, keeping Townsville to just 14 1Q points and running out to a lead which they held with varying levels of comfort throughout the game.

Points were hard for both teams to come by early on, actually. The most memorable moment of the opening quarter was a technical issue with the shot-clock. But Tom Abercrombie was on his game from the start and made his chances count, if few others could say the same. The Breakers were predictably out rebounded here, especially with Alex Pledger logging his lowest minutes total of the year (18mins). The undersized kiwi team hustled well though, and defended with strength in the paint. Reuben Te Rangi had 5 boards off the bench in his most efficient game since his ‘breakout’ a month or so back. It helped too that the Crocs shot just 3/13 from 3pt-ville. Corey Webster closed out the half with a luscious layup.

Kerron Johnson (7pts 2ass 4reb) was quiet once more, in fact you could make the argument that Corey Webster (9pts 1ass 3reb) outplayed him. It was Tom Abercrombie that padded the Breakers lead after the half however. He had a game high 24 points. Gary Wilkinson is taking a little while to adjust back to the ANBL style and pace, but his defensive leadership has made a big difference. He and Mika Vukona together must be a nightmare for opposition playmakers. It was timely contributions off the bench by Wilkinson (12pts 4reb) and Webster that kept a resurgent Townsville in check in the third. Tom Abercrombie took a heavy blow to the face in the final stanza which drew blood, and soon after a TVL stop gave them the chance to tie the game up, but they were too eager on the break and threw the ball in to the crowd. The chance never arose again. Unlike last week, the Breakers were poised and precise in the clutch. Huge rebounds from Vukona and TA complimented by a wide open 3 by the latter sealed this game. The win puts the lads at 3-6 an up two spots (temporarily at least) to 5th on the ANBL ladder.

Stocks Up

Tom Abercrombie. Two consecutive man of the match performances. We’re starting to see the old TA return! The only shame last night was that he missed two late free throws that would have tied his career high points total if he’d made them.

Stocks Down

Alex Pledger. Not a great sign that the Breakers were able to do so much (especially on defence) with Pledger spending that much time on the bench. NZB has been using Pledger as a key offensive weapon a lot, though they looked far more fluent with Tom Abercrombie taking responsibility. The Pledgehammer made some big plays in this game still. He’s not especially athletic, but he’s the biggest guy and the most natural rebounder they have. Expect to see his defensive game given more prominence going forward, instead of the more balanced role we’ve been seeing.  

Play of the Game

After last week’s shambles trying to close out a win, it has to be Abercrombie’s late treble. Some lovely ball movement finds a wide open TA, who on a day like this was never gonna miss:

Match MVP Points

Tom Abercrombie 3

Mika Vukona 2

Gary Wilkinson 1

Daryl Corletto 1

Season MVP Standings

Mika Vukona 13

Kerron Johnson 12

Alex Pledger 10

Tom Abercrombie 7

Up Next

Thursday, 7.30pm: NZ Breakers vs Melbourne Tigers, North Shore Events Centre (NZT)