KEY POINTS:
The Breakers are gunning to break a bad habit when they take on defending champions Melbourne at the North Shore Events Centre tomorrow night.
After seven matches the statistics emphasise an unwelcome trend - the Breakers have the third-quarter blues.
They have outscored their opposition in the third quarter just once.
Coach Andrej Lemanis said the third-quarter malaise was obviously an area of concern and the team had spoken about the issue at the weekend.
"We don't want to freak anyone out or make it a bigger deal than it is," Lemanis said. "We talked about solutions - what we're going to do so that it's no longer an issue."
The team would try to simulate the start of a game more in the problem quarter, ensuring they had the right "energy, intensity and vigour".
It did not provide too much comfort for disappointed players, but several club records were set during last Thursday's 127-126 loss to the Townsville Crocodiles.
Captain Paul Henare, the week after recording his highest individual score for the club, set a franchise record with his 12 assists, one better than the 11 he registered against the Hunter Pirates in January 2004.
The team score of 126 points bettered the previous best of 120, also scored against Townsville in January 2006. Unfortunately, 126 is now the club's highest losing score as well.
And there might be more individual milestones coming up tomorrow.
Carlos Powell requires 17 points for 200 - the 16th Breaker to reach this landmark. Aaron Olson requires just one rebound to reach 300 rebounds for the club, and Mika Vukona needs 10 rebounds to also reach the 300 mark.
Lemanis said it would be the Breakers' toughest test of the season.
The Tigers are second on the ladder with a 6-2 win-loss record.
Their two losses were to the first-placed Perth Wildcats in overtime and to the fourth-placed Brisbane Bullets while star centre Chris Anstey was out of action with a virus.
"I think they're the best team in the championship," Lemanis said.
"They're an experienced group that plays well together and their execution at both ends of the court is superb."
The Breakers have a poor record against the team that, on average, is the tallest and oldest side in the league.
The Breakers won't have much time to review the game. The next day they head to Adelaide to face the 36ers.
