Basketball: Breakers claim scratchy win

The New Zealand Breakers overcame a scratchy start and put their approach to the Australian National Basketball League playoffs back on track as they clung on for a 91-86 win over the Sydney Kings at Auckland tonight.

The Kings who are second from the bottom of the table took advantage of the Breakers' poor start to lead 28-19 at the end of an error-ridden first quarter by their opponents.

The Breakers, who have lost three of their previous four games, turned the ball over seven times as passes failed to find their mark and their attacking moves failed to gel.

Star shooter Kirk Penney was also uncharacteristically subdued, going scoreless in the first 10 minutes.

In all, the minor premiers landed just 18 from 29 shots in the first quarter.

An improved shooting performance saw them hit the lead in a second quarter in which Penny sank five baskets including two three-pointers.

Two quick scores by forward Gary Wilkinson just before halftime finally put the Breakers into the lead 43-40 despite a turnover rate of 11-5 for the half which they finally closed off 52-43 in front.

The Breakers were unable to maintain their momentum after the break and their numerous errors allowed the Kings to stay in touch to trail by two points, 68-66 at the end of the third quarter.

Shooter Trey Gilder, who had an outstanding game with a personal haul of 30 points, played a major role in keeping the Kings in the game.

The fourth quarter came down to the final seconds as the Breakers struggled to put the Kings away.

There was just one point in it 87-86 with 47 seconds to go when Penney was called for travelling before he made a shot.

But the Breakers regained possession when Penney drew a foul from Mark Dickel and promptly sank his two free throws.

Another foul by the Kings saw Kevin Braswell land his two free throws to give the Breakers their 91-86 win but with the playoffs looming they will need to show more polish in their remaining three regular season games.

- NZPA