AT A GLANCE

(Scotty Hopson 23, Rob Loe 18, Tom Abercrombie 18, Sek Henry 14)

(John Roberson 15, Dane Pineau 14, Adam Gibson 12, Ben Madgen 11, Kyle Adnam 10, Devondrick Walker 10). 46-39. of the fourth quarter to grind out a tough victory against their gritty opponent.

Centre Rob Loe was industrious on both ends of the floor, registering 18 points on 7-10 shooting, while grabbing five boards. Finn Delany and skipper Tom Abercrombie also knocked down critical threes in the last minute.

Given the way they had played since late December and the self belief in the squad, Hopson said the Breakers could be a handful in the finals, if they could get there.

‘‘I think we could do a lot. I think we can win some games – win a lot of games.

‘‘I put us up against anybody and I’m pretty confident in those guys in the locker room and myself and this guy right next to me [Shamir].’’

Beating the Phoenix means the Breakers finals hopes aren’t quite extinguished yet. Shamir said it wasn’t over until it was over.

Whatever happened, he praised the way the players had stuck together through the turbulent times and stayed in contention for the finals.

‘‘We did what we had to do and I’m going to stay in the mindset that the season is still on and we’re going to wait for the result [today],’’ Shamir said.

‘‘We got it done and that’s added to the last 14 games. We’ve played the right way and came back to the race and that’s a great thing the players have done.’’

Funnily enough, South East Melbourne, who drop to 9-18 in their debut ANBL season, are the ones who could help the Breakers today against their crosstown rivals, United.

Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell just wanted to snap their sevengame losing streak to end the campaign and wasn’t concerned about assisting New Zealand.

‘‘I ain’t give a s..t about the Breakers. I’m not here to do ’em favours. Bugger ’em. I don’t care.

‘‘We’re going to go worry about ourselves and we’re going to give our best against Melbourne. I don’t really care about the Breakers.’’

NZ Breakers 92

South East Melbourne Phoenix 83

HT: