Breakers can’t put end to Taipans’ winning
A new season, but the same outcome for the New Zealand Breakers.
An 82-71 defeat to the Cairns Taipans has continued the Breakers' losing streak against the Queensland side, following a 0-4 mark last season.
It's a curious statistical quirk — and probably an outlier. Yet, Cairns have had their way with the Breakers of late, and their improbable Taipans trouble continued at Spark Arena in Auckland yesterday.
The Breakers looked solid for a half, but their play slowly disintegrated as the Taipans slithered back into the contest. Cairns hustled back from a double digit first-half deficit, with the Breakers having several players in foul trouble.
Taipans coach Aaron Fearne was delighted by his side’s ability to over- though, they found room to manoeuvre inside, and if the shots didn't fall, they were at least drawing contact, winning the foul count 30-19.
The Breakers were relying on Tom Abercrombie and Edgar Sosa for their early offence, with the pair combining for 31 of their 43 first half points.
Long a reliable contributor at both ends, Abercrombie's skillset has added value in this potentially egalitarian offence and with the likes of Kirk Penney and Mika Vukona ageing, his use may increase this campaign.
Yesterday he was up to the challenge, and was the key contributor as the Breakers grafted their lead. Abercrombie poured in 23 points, snared seven rebounds and skied high for four trademark rejections.
He was assisted by Sosa, but only DJ Newbill was able to join them in