Basketball: Breakers keep Chappell on ice

Breakers' import Mike Chappell's involvement in the ANBL pre-season tournament in Cairns this weekend will be limited as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Chappell, who played a key role in the franchise's maiden 2003-04 campaign after joining mid-season, strained ligaments during the Breakers' opening pre-season game against the Hunter Pirates in Auckland last Sunday.

"He's still got a question mark against him," chief executive Peter Chapman said. "He's going to go but he's still got a slight ankle strain and will only get limited minutes."

Coach Frank Arsego will take no risks with the American, who averaged 21.3 points last season, considering the 2004-05 season opener against the Adelaide 36ers tips off at Trusts Stadium at Waitakere on September 29.

Chappell is the only injury concern following a three-match build-up that also featured a last-second loss to the Wollongong Hawks and a 19-point disposal of the 36ers.

The Breakers face the Townsville Crocodiles, reigning champions the Sydney Kings and last season's runners-up the West Sydney Razorbacks in their pool tomorrow.

Each game consists of two 12 minute halves and has a reduction in fouls and timeouts allowed.

Providing they finish inside the top four in their six-team pool the Breakers will progress to the quarters on Sunday morning.

After the tournament they will fly south to Townsville, where they face the Crocodiles in a full trial match on Sunday night.

The ANBL's showpiece pre-season event has been robbed of one attraction after Brisbane Bullets import Kevin Freeman was ruled out with a foot injury.

- NZPA