The New Zealand Breakers have beaten the Perth Wildcats 77-66 in their Australian National Basketball League clash in Auckland.
In the battle between the top two sides the Wildcats had a 12-point lead at half-time as the Breakers' shooting woes from Sydney continued, only connecting on two three pointers from 15 attempts.
However the shots started falling and the Breakers then took control in the third quarter, outscoring their opponents 22-8 and limiting Perth to just 22 points in the half.
Cedric Jackson of the Breakers celebrates a three pointer. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The import centre Ekene Ibekwe battled through foul trouble to top score with 18 points, Cedric Jackson had 15 and Corey Webster 14.
Injured centre Alex Pledger was also a stand out, tying a season-high with 13 points as he continues to play despite struggling with turf-toe.
The coach Dean Vickerman says he got great production from his centres.
"We've just got to push Alex some days and he talked to me and said 'yes, I can give you some more in the second quarter', then he was required to give us a bit more with E (Ibekwe) picking up a little bit more foul trouble.
"Combined they were outstanding."
The Breakers are now 10 and 4 and top the standings from Perth who are 9 and 4.
