Breakers drop opener

t may be a new season but old habits die hard for the Breakers.

The Kiwi franchise’s struggles against Cairns Taipans continued as they opened their 2017-18 Australian National Basketball season with a 82-71 defeat at Spark Arena.

After dropping all four regular season games to Cairns last season, which ultimately cost them a place in the playoffs, the Breakers were relishing the chance to get one back over their bogey team.

But despite the quick turn around from Friday’s thrilling win over Illawarra, the Taipans had the fresher legs in the second half, surging home on the back of a big third quarter to cap off an impressive weekend.

Tom Abercrombie led the way for the Breakers. The star swingman had 24 points and seven rebounds, while new imports Edgar Sosa (18 points) and DJ Newbill (12 points) showed promise in their club debuts.

But it was a scrappy start from Paul Henare’s team, who had 12 turnovers to eight from the visitors.

And with their first games at home, the coach will be looking for a quick turnaround ahead of Friday’s clash against Sydney.

The Taipans were missing import forward Michael Carrera and centre Nathan Jawai to injury, but they were led brilliantly by Dayshon Smith with 18 points, Stephen Weigh added 17.

After giving little away during the week, Henare handed Sosa and Newbill starts alongside the familiar faces of Abercrombie, Mika Vukona and Alex Pledger. The early-season rust was clearly evident as they conceded several turnovers in the first quarter.