Breakers get first round victory

The NZ Breakers have started off the 2013/14 season with a victory, hopefully the first of many as they build towards a historic 4 peat, beating the Wollongong Hawks 92-73 at Vector Arena last night. 

Pre match the 6000 plus fan's in attendance were treated to the latest championship banner ceremoniously hung next to the previous 2 as well as Breakers stalwart and NZ Basketball legend Dillon Boucher's number 24 singlet being retired. As mentioned post game by Daryl Corletto, it was the appropriate motivation that the team needed to get up for a big win over Wollongong.

The first quarter was scrappy and at times very stop start with both teams taking a while to adjust to the new referee's interpretation and clamping down on the contact with many of the Hawks players in foul trouble early, leaving the bench to play a larger role than expected. 

I certainly found it hard to watch at times with the momentum and flow being disrupted with the constant whistle for some very soft fouls.

The Hawks lead the first quarter break with a slim lead but that would be the last time they would have the lead with the Breakers putting the foot down and proving that while they have again had personal changes and a new coach the same gritty defensive style and offensive strength throughout the squad remains. 

It has always been a strength that the Breakers possess, the entire team is able to pitch in on the scorecard. One of the key moments in the game was Corey Webster and Tom Abercrombie both hitting consecutive three pointers which kick started the Breakers run of 10-0 and that was the game.

Darryl Corletto had a strong performance finishing with 19 points including 4/5 from the 3 point arc, he literally brought the house down.

It was an improved performance from the boys after I saw them in an earlier pre season game in Christchurch which was not surprising, the more time the boys can spend together the better the performances on the court will be.

It was a great, first up performance to start the season off but as always plenty to work on going forward. Its early days, so bring on the next game against the Townsville Crocs next Friday.