Basketball: Breakers crush the Pirates

NEWCASTLE - Import Brian Green scored a game high 26 points to lead a resurgent New Zealand Breakers to a resounding 116-98 Australian NBL basketball win over the Hunter Pirates in Newcastle last night.

Green was one of six Breakers in double figures as the visitors out-hustled a lacklustre home side.

The Breakers won the battle of the boards 49-42, shot at a respectable 51 per cent and made the Pirates fight for everything.

Other than Green, Aaron Olson (16) Ben Pepper (24 points 11 rebounds) Tim Behrendorff (13) and Mika Vukona (10) made solid contributions.

Captain Ben Melmeth led the Pirates with 21 points and ten rebounds, while Russell Hinder (20 points 13 rebounds) Mike Helms (20) and Geordie Cullen (18) were strong.

The loss continues a worrying slide for the play-off bound Pirates, who have now lost their past five games to drop to 12-18.

They meet Townsville at home on Wednesday and complete the regular season away to Perth.

Eighth spot may be safe, but unless the Pirates improve, the post season will be over before it begins.

It was the second straight win for the Breakers and improved their record to 8-21. With three games remaining, the Breakers now have Townsville and a club best ninth place firmly in their sights.

Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis was pleased with the win and said the group was determined to finish the season on a high.

"Unfortunately we can't make the play-offs but I'm really happy with the strides we have made," he said.

"We want to finish the season on a strong note and take some momentum into the off season.

"We have been playing some good basketball since December. That coincides with moving Rich Melzer up to the four spot and bringing Brian Green in as a three man.

"The balance of the group is much better. Green can score from outside and draws defenders and Melzer has been strong inside."

- AAP