Pigs Rip Breakers
Tagged in: NZ Breakers
Warning: file_exists() [function.file-exists]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/var/www/vhosts/basketball.org.nz/httpdocs/resources/uploads/2007/10/isnz_35268_ssw-edit.thumbnail.jpg) is not within the allowed path(s): (/home/bbnz/:/tmp:/usr/local/lib/php/) in /home/bbnz/domains/tallblacks.org.nz/public_html/wp-includes/post.php on line 3943
Warning: file_exists() [function.file-exists]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/var/www/vhosts/basketball.org.nz/httpdocs/resources/uploads/2007/10/isnz_35268_ssw-edit.thumbnail.jpg) is not within the allowed path(s): (/home/bbnz/:/tmp:/usr/local/lib/php/) in /home/bbnz/domains/tallblacks.org.nz/public_html/wp-includes/post.php on line 3943
John Lazo-Ron, Sportal
The West Sydney Razorbacks continued their early winning form with a hard fought 104-96 victory over the Harvey Norman NZ Breakers at the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland on Thursday night.
Last season’s cellar dwellers made it three wins from four matches after repelling a Breakers side who were looking for their first win in the 2007/2008 Hummer Championship NBL.
The game started all guns blazing, but a low shooting percentage and high turnover rate marred what was a bit of a see-saw first half. Both sides created many opportunities, but neither were able to capitalise with the Razorbacks holding on to a six-point advantage to lead 49-43 by the end of the second quarter.
West Sydney extended their lead by the end of the third period with some great defence to be heading the home side 74-66. The Razorbacks were able to stop the New Zealanders from making inroads close to the basket, forcing them to shoot constantly from the three-point line, but still weren’t able to stamp their foot on the game with the Breakers gusto still keeping them in the game.
The visitors continued to put on a solid defensive effort right throughout the second half to hold out the spirited New Zealanders, who started to build some momentum with Kirk Penney (who was in doubt before the game with a calf injury) making an impression the moment he stepped on the court sparking a late revival with 23 points.
Mika Vukona chipped in with a solid all round game, netting 11 points, three offensive rebounds, five defensive rebounds and four turnovers.
But every time the Breakers put the heat on, West Sydney also took it up a notch with point guard Darnell Hinson stepping up to take control of the game well.
The feisty American was in amazing form and showed his class throughout the game not only stopping the Breakers game flow, but also top-scoring for his side with 27 points, while adding four assists and five turnovers.
Hinson was well supported by team-mate Liam Rush, who also put in an impressive performance that saw him contribute 25 points and seven defensive rebounds to the visitor’s tally.
The Breakers came within one point of West Sydney with just over a minute to go in the game, but the Razorbacks were able to keep their cool and repel the Breakers late comeback to take away the win.
The Razorbacks now have a week off to rest and continue to plan their sparkling start to the season while the New Zealand Breakers will take on the Townsville Crocodiles at home next Thursday.
West Sydney Razorbacks 104 (Darnell Hinson 27, Liam Rush 25, Troy DeVries 11) Harvey Norman NZ Breakers 96 (Kirk Penney 23, Phill Jones 19, Rick Rickert 19)
Box Score – Breakers v Razorbacks (html 53KB)
