Hawks 76 Breakers 65
The New Zealand Breakers' early struggles on the road continued with a defeat to leaders Wollongong Hawks across the Tasman last night.
The Breakers led 52-46 at three-quarter time but their shooting went cold and the Hawks, inspired by import Tywain McKee, stormed home to win the final period 30-13.
It was the Breakers' third away defeat from as many games this season, leaving them with a 2-3 record as they eye three consecutive home matches, starting with Townsville on Thursday.
They missed the scoring power of injured Tall Blacks guard Kirk Penney, with CJ Bruton leading their scoring with 18 points and Paul Henare the only other to reach double figures with 13.
Statistics told the story for the Breakers, who shot just 33 per cent from the field, 22 from 66, and a poor seven from 31 from three-point range.
The Hawks shot at 46 per cent from the field, with McKee leading all scorers with 23 points and Cameron Tragardh scoring 19.
McKee continued to stamp himself as one of the ANBL's dangermen, having averaged 21.7 points, six rebounds and five assists in his first three matches since arriving from the US.
The Breakers out-rebounded the Hawks 38-31 but it didn't translate to points, with Breakers big man Rick Rickert and the Hawks' Larry Davidson hauling in 10 boards apiece.
Victory for the Hawks was their third straight against the Breakers and continued their dream start to the season, which included a win in the pre-season tournament final against the New Zealand side.
- NZPA
