Restoring pride in the defensive work of his troops looms as the overwhelming challenge for Breakers coach Frank Arsego ahead of tonight's game against the Melbourne Tigers.
The Breakers slumped to their 16th loss in 23 games this season when they lost to the Pirates 103-89 on Friday night. They have only a faint hope of making the playoffs.
It was the 15th time this season the Breakers have conceded 100 points and most players were showing only moderate interest in defending their hoop.
The manner of defeat will strengthen the now widely-held belief that Arsego will be let go at the end of the season. A pride-saving run to close the season is unlikely - the Breakers have only won once on the road and have eight away games to come.
Former Breakers coach Jeff Green says Arsego is not necessarily doing a bad job, he's just failing to get results quickly enough.
However, Breakers chairman Keith Ward has shot down that theory by confirming the team's owners are prepared to take a long-term view.
"Not many people realise we have a five-year licence to be part of the league. We all know where we stand."
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
Basketball: Breakers paid-up members of the hundred club
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