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The NZ Breakers Summer Camp team warmed up for their tour to Melbourne this coming weekend with a high energy game against the Harbour Heat who eventually ran out winners 94-88.

It was the NZ Breakers who started the game the strongest quickly establishing an early 10 point lead with all the starting five troubling the scorers. Cam Stuart contributed the first 8 points of the Heat scoring but a better balanced offence from the Breakers led by 5 points from Alonso Burton saw them ahead 26-20 at quarter time. The Heat coped better with the Breakers pressure defence in the second quarter but with Tai Webster, Derone Raukawa and Alex Talma making strong contributions the Breakers still held a narrow advantage 43-42 at half time.

The Heat squad contained three of last year’s Breakers Academy graduates, Anamata Haku, James Ashby and Brad Anderson and all three played a part in the Heat getting the better of the third quarter to lead 72-62 at three quarter time. The battle in the paint between Haku and Isaac Fotu was an eye catching feature of the second half with both players upstaging more senior Heat players in the battle for dominance under the boards.

The Heat established a commanding 14 point lead early in the final period and appeared to be coasting to a comfortable win but a spirited revival from the young Breakers team led by Fotu, Raukawa and Reuben Te Rangi narrowed the advantage to just 4 points with 3 minutes remaining. However, the more experienced Heat team were able to resist the comeback and close out the game for a hard fought win.

Final score;

NZ Breakers  88 (Isaac Fotu 22, Tai Webster 17, Derone Raukawa 16, Alonso Burton 10)
Harbour Heat 94 (Marco Alexander 19, Cam Stuart 17, Brad Anderson 14, Charlie Piho 12)

Both teams will be grateful for the good workout. Perfect preparation for the Judd Flavell coached Breakers who were able to develop some of their team strategies ahead of an intense five games in four days tour and also a great opportunity for Heat coach Alex Stojkivic to cast his eye over players hoping to be selected for the Harbour NBL squad.

Written by Mike Lacey

Breakers Summer Camp tour schedule:

Friday 20^th 6.30pm @ Eltham High (Eltham) vs Eltham

Saturday 21st 12.00pm @ Bentleigh Secondary College vs McKinnon

Saturday 21^st 6.00pm @ Templestowe Leisure Center vs Bulleen

Sunday 22^nd  4.00pm @ Oakleigh Rec Centre vs Under 18 Vic Metro Coach

Monday 23^rd 12.00pm @ Albert Park College, Danks St, Albert Park vs Melbourne Tigers Squad

Daily Tour updates will be on www.breakersjunior.co.nz