Stat Line

Points R.Clarke 36 (WOL), A.Pledger 19 (NZB), 2 with 18

Rebounds M.Vukona 11 (NZB), T.Coenraed 9 (WOL), A.Pledger 7 (NZB)

Assists K.Johnson 6 (NZB), T.Coenraed 5 (WOL), R.Martin 4 (WOL)

Steals K.Johnson 3 (NZB), R.Clarke 2 (WOL), several with 1

Blocks O.Forman 3 (WOL), A.Pledger 2 (NZB), 2 with 1

How It Unfolded

The Breakers finally managed win 2 of the season, holding off a tough Wollongong side for an 8 point win. They started well, minimising the early turnovers (only 11 all game) that cost them so badly against Adelaide, and showing off the full range of their offensive options. Alex Pledger was string in the paint, and showed a surprisingly deft touch in finishing baskets, while Mika Vukona was aggressive yet disciplined, and the likes of Corletto, Abercrombie and Wilkinson showed off their jump shooting abilities. Wollongong was able to stick close though, thanks to the one-man bucket barrage of Rotnei Clarke (who finished with 36 points!). The Breakers got more productivity off the bench though to inject a little more adrenalin into their performance, and battled away to a 49-45 half time lead – despite Kerron Johnson not scoring a single point in the stanza.

Wollongong hit back strong, starting the third quarter with an 8-2 run, though for the quarter, the Breakers were able to nullify the threat of little Rottweiler Clarke, at least. The lead went back and forth for a bit, but a few big trebles, one in particular from CJ Bruton opened up the lead once more. Daryl Corletto (15pts) had his best offensive game since the opener, and even though Kerron struggled, going off the court with an injury in the 3Q, Abercrombie and Wilkinson were solid and the Pledgehammer (19pts 7reb) continued to cause trouble in the post.

Kerron found his touch in the final block, and had a couple of key steals, assists and layups as he and Mika Vukona (18pts 11reb) combined to blow the kiwi team to the winning lead. Wollongong reverted to the foul game for the last couple minutes, but the Breakers were calm and assured in making the most of their trips to the charity stripe (well, except for Kerron, who was shooting them like Dwight Howard). The Breakers beat the Hawks for the second time this season, and move off the foot of the ANBL table. Woo-Hoo!

Stocks Up

Mika Vukona. He stayed out of foul trouble in this one, and not coincidentally put together his best statline of the year, and a double-double at that. He reminds me a lot of Shawn Marion of the Dallas Mavericks (who had a similarly big day). Both won championships in 2011. Maybe there’s something to this… (Do-do-do-dooo-doooo-doo)

Stocks Down

Kerron Johnson. Clearly the best player on this roster, yet the two games in which he’s struggles are the two that his team has won. This was an off day for KJ, shooting just 33% from the field, and 2/8 from the free throw line. He did manage 6 assists and 3 steals though. Expect a return to dominating form next game.

Play of the Game

Tom Abercrombie makes the most of a slick team move by launching strong to the basket and finishing, drawing the and-one foul and all but sealing the result for his team: