Opening Win
Tagged in: NZ Breakers
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The Harvey Norman NZ Breakers started their week-long pre-season tour of Australia with a 110-109 overtime win over the South Dragons in Geelong.
The Dragons fought back from a 53-49 halftime deficit to lock the score up at 100 points apiece at the end of regulation time. The Breakers then shot out to a six-point lead in the opening minutes of the extra five-minute spell and held on for the win.
Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis was pleased with the performance given his team were running on weary legs after an early morning flight across the Tasman.
ìConsidering the fatigue factor and the lack of time we have had together, it was an encouraging display,î Lemanis said. ìThere were good signs out there, but we still have ample room for improvement.î
Lemanis was most impressed with the composure his team displayed, and pleased they defended well and gave the home side very few open shots.
New American import Rick Rickert dominated with 39 points and 19 rebounds, while Aussie Oscar Forman also doubled up with 15/11. For Souths, Wellington Saints import Nick Horvath, who hopes to gain NZ citizenship soon, lead the way with 28 points/10 rebounds.
The Breakers confront the Dragons again tonight before tackling the Sydney Kings on Saturday night and the Gold Coast Blaze and Brisbane Bullets early next week.
Harvey Norman NZ Breakers 110 (Rick Rickert 39, Oscar Forman 15, Phill Jones 12) South Dragons 109 (Nick Horvath 28, Shane Heal 21, Jacob Holmes 20)
