Breakers suffer tough loss against Taipans
The Breakers had no answer to Taipans sharp shooter Cameron Gliddon in an underwhelming loss in Cairns last night.
It was an evening of missed opportunities and frustration for Paul Henare’s side who drifted out of the match in the final quarter as the Taipans stretched out their lead. The Breakers were right in the match until the third quarter but eventually their poor discipline and inaccuracy hurt them.
It was a scrappy match, but the Taipans overcame a slow start and third quarter jitters to improve their record to 10-13 with five matches remaining in the regular season.
The Breakers were without point guard Edgar Sosa, who withdrew with a rolled ankle, but they still
started with plenty of zip in their step. NZ forward Mika Vukona scored within three seconds after intercepting the tip-off and his men followed by keeping the home
side scoreless in the opening minutes.
Cairns point guard ’Scoochie’ Smith stopped the rot in the fourth minute with a corner three,
sparking a run that put the Taipans in front. They led 41-37 at halftime.
Earlier, Melbourne flexed its scoring arsenal to inflict a seventh straight loss on Brisbane at the
Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
The Bullets staged a brave but ultimately fruitless final quarter comeback getting to within two points of Melbourne before United pulled away again late to record a 103-95 and maintain top spot over New Zealand at the top of the NBL ladder.
Members of Brisbane’s 1985 and 1987 NBL Championship winning teams were in the stands.
- AAP