Basketball: Breakers rise above controversy

By JULIE ASH

Onwards and upwards is quite possibly the new favourite saying of Breakers coach Frank Arsego, after his side cast aside rumours of dissent and clinched two crucial wins over the West Sydney Razorbacks at the weekend.

The Breakers backed up their 90-83 win on Friday night with a compelling 106-97 victory a day later, bringing them from 11th to fifth in the 12-team Australian National Basketball League competition.

Coach Frank Arsego said the Boucher controversy of the past week was all part and parcel of the game.

After a sluggish start to the first match, the Breakers were a lot quicker off the mark on Saturday night and went into the first break ahead, 29-26.

The Razorbacks came back early in the second quarter but the Breakers regrouped and after leading 52-51 at halftime unleashed in the third quarter to power out to a 86-68 lead, restricting their opponents to just 17 points.

"The third quarter was fantastic for us," Arsego said.

"It is a good place to be [fifth] but it is only early days and we have made a committed pact that we will come in on Monday and start working all over again."

Once again guard Ben Thompson stood out for the Breakers.

Thompson, who nabbed two crucial steals and a three pointer in what was probably the turning point for the Breakers in the first game, was effective in all aspects of play.

His 19 points on Saturday night was surpassed only by sharp shooter Mike Chappell, who landed 23.

The Breakers would also have been satisfied with the 44 points scored off the bench, two points more than their previous night's efforts.

"We believe that every player on the roster can come in and give us something," Arsego said.

"Having an experienced or senior bench in the rigours of a long season, I think that is going to pay some dividends for us."

Razorbacks coach Mark Watkins said the two wins could be just the "medicine" the Breakers needed.

The Breakers' next match is against the third-placed Sydney Kings.

NBL Top five

1. Adelaide 36ers 83 (win percentage)

2. Wollongong Hawks 83

3. Sydney Kings 71

4. Perth Wildcats 67

5. NZ Breakers 50

Breakers' next game: v Kings, Saturday, Trusts Stadium, Waitakere.