The red-hot Wollongong Hawks are within a game of both Melbourne and Sydney as the top four remained far from set after another close weekend of action. Breakers survive Crocs scare to keep playoff dreams alive Another big game from in-form forward Thomas Abercrombie has given the New Zealand Breakers a come from behind, three point victory against the Townsville Crocodiles at the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland on Thursday night. Abercrombie showed his determination from the start in a 29 point performance, in which he scored 10 opening quarter points, while finishing it all off with a tough fade away jumper from the low block to give his team the lead with under a minute remaining in the game. After New Zealand trailed by as much as 11 in the third period, the Breakers weren’t going to let the crowd go home disappointed, starting the fourth on a 15-3 run which brought the game to life after the Crocs had shown to have the edge on their opponents. As the two teams continued the fourth stanza going bucket for bucket at each end, import Brian Conklin knocked down a pair of freebies to tie the game once again with under a minute remaining. From there it was Abercrombie’s jumper plus a pair of clutch free throws from captain Mika Vukona (20 points, 6 rebounds) that led to the final score. Crocs point guard Steven Markovic (15 points, 6 assists) had the chance to tie the game at the horn but his three point attempt rimmed out. Gary Wilkinson (14 points, 10 rebounds) and Kerron Johnson (9 points, 7 assists) also played a hand in the tough victory, while Johnson had to exit the game with an ankle injury late, however coach Dean Vickerman had stated he should be right to travel to Cairns. For the visitors, Conklin ran wild with 26 points and 6 rebounds, while Todd Blanchfield was just as important early on with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Townsville also had their injury concerns with Mitch Norton, who replaced the suspended Josh Pace in the starting line-up went down in the final quarter and did not return. His status is up in the air regarding their second game this weekend. As both teams play doubles this weekend, the Breakers travel to Cairns to take on the Snakes in another do or die clash for New Zealand, who must win the final four games of the season to have any chance of seeing post-season action. Townsville head to Melbourne and will once again try to play heart-breakers as the Tigers look to find form heading into the playoffs.
NBL 2013/14: Round 20 Wrap
NBL 2013/14: Round 20 Wrap
NBL 2013/14: Round 20 Wrap
The red-hot Wollongong Hawks are within a game of both Melbourne and Sydney as the top four remained far from set after another close weekend of action. Breakers survive Crocs scare to keep playoff dreams alive Another big game from in-form forward Thomas Abercrombie has given the New Zealand Breakers a come from behind, three point victory against the Townsville Crocodiles at the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland on Thursday night. Abercrombie showed his determination from the start in a 29 point performance, in which he scored 10 opening quarter points, while finishing it all off with a tough fade away jumper from the low block to give his team the lead with under a minute remaining in the game. After New Zealand trailed by as much as 11 in the third period, the Breakers weren’t going to let the crowd go home disappointed, starting the fourth on a 15-3 run which brought the game to life after the Crocs had shown to have the edge on their opponents. As the two teams continued the fourth stanza going bucket for bucket at each end, import Brian Conklin knocked down a pair of freebies to tie the game once again with under a minute remaining. From there it was Abercrombie’s jumper plus a pair of clutch free throws from captain Mika Vukona (20 points, 6 rebounds) that led to the final score. Crocs point guard Steven Markovic (15 points, 6 assists) had the chance to tie the game at the horn but his three point attempt rimmed out. Gary Wilkinson (14 points, 10 rebounds) and Kerron Johnson (9 points, 7 assists) also played a hand in the tough victory, while Johnson had to exit the game with an ankle injury late, however coach Dean Vickerman had stated he should be right to travel to Cairns. For the visitors, Conklin ran wild with 26 points and 6 rebounds, while Todd Blanchfield was just as important early on with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Townsville also had their injury concerns with Mitch Norton, who replaced the suspended Josh Pace in the starting line-up went down in the final quarter and did not return. His status is up in the air regarding their second game this weekend. As both teams play doubles this weekend, the Breakers travel to Cairns to take on the Snakes in another do or die clash for New Zealand, who must win the final four games of the season to have any chance of seeing post-season action. Townsville head to Melbourne and will once again try to play heart-breakers as the Tigers look to find form heading into the playoffs.