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Breakers 131
36ers 101
KEY POINTS:
The Breakers survived a serious bout of second-quarter yips to book a semifinal series date with the Melbourne Tigers, eventually riding out a determined challenge from the Adelaide 36ers in a sudden death quarter-final on the North Shore last night.
An explosive opening that saw the Breakers lead by 15 after just six minutes suggested a routine victory was on offer but the 36ers turned on a three-point shooting clinic to push the Breakers deep into the fourth quarter.
A consistent criticism of the Breakers is that they are too dependent on three-point shooting and will ultimately live or die by their efforts from beyond the arc. Last night, as 11 consecutive bombs clattered away off the rim, it seemed it might be time to order the coffin. But the Breakers displayed an under-rated side of their game, turning in a tenacious defensive display to subdue an opponent that at one stage landed 10 of 14 long bombs.
A barrage of threes from C.J. Bruton (26 points) and Kirk Penney (31) eventually sealed a victory that was never a blowout despite the scoreline. But it was what went on inside the key that proved the difference.
A 14-point, 14-rebound return from Rick Rickert was crucial, as was success in shutting down 36ers big man Luke Schenscher, who was limited to just nine points and 10 rebounds.
Penney was in hot form early, notching 11 points before being forced to sit after picking up three personal fouls for the quarter.
Paul Henare produced the best play of what was a sparkling first quarter, stripping Paora Winitana and teeing up Phill Jones for an easy lay-up with a no-look pass as the Breakers coasted into the first break leading by 11.
The second quarter could hardly have been more of a contrast with the Breakers struggling mightily.
With Brad Hill notching 20 first-half points for the visitors, it was only a tenacious defensive effort that allowed the Breakers to keep in front.
A Jones three finally stopped the rot but a lead that had once stood at 15 was down to four at the interval.
A strong start to the second half, with Rickert imposing himself in the paint, saw the Breakers stretch their advantage to double figures despite but Adelaide's three-point barrage.
The pivotal moment came at the end of the quarter when a contentious call gave Rod Grizzard three free-throws with just 1.4 seconds left on the clock. Grizzard missed the first two and connected with his third but the Breakers were able to get the ball to Jones, who landed a miracle shot from just inside the half-court line.
That five-point swing meant the Breakers led by 13 heading into the final quarter. A 45-point Breakers explosion carried them to their highest ever score, finishing Adelaide's season in the process.
