Cedric Jackson has inspired the New Zealand Breakers to a 106-84 win at the Adelaide 36ers to keep their ANBL play-off hopes alive.
Photo: Photosport
Jackson impressed with 31 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
The Breakers are fifth in the standings and just a win from fourth-placed Adelaide now.
Adelaide had no answer for Jackson in speed or ability as he truly took advantage of the Sixers, who were without their star point guard Jerome Randle.
In a finals-like atmosphere the Breakers controlled the momentum early, as their meticulous ball control and hot shooting landed them a 28-17 advantage on 52 percent from the field.
Jackson and Corey Webster (28 points) combined for 19 first-quarter points as Adelaide looked lost offensively without the presence of Randle.
The Breakers stretched their lead to 22, shooting a combined 41 per cent three-point shooting for the match.
A last quarter surge had Adelaide within 11 and had Breakers coach Dean Vickerman animated on the sidelines, expecting a late Sixers run.
"It's always going to happen, the home team is always going to string something together and they got open layups, but we steadied," Vickerman said.
The victory kept the New Zealand side's hopes of a fifth championship in six years alive, and put some of the onus back on Adelaide as the two clubs duel for the fourth and final playoff spot.
Adelaide has the harder task, as they must overcome Perth and Illawarra away from home - still minus Randle - to have any chance.
The Breakers on the other hand have a home and away double against League-leaders Melbourne United to conclude their campaign.
With a tight finish sure to ensue, both teams face Cairns this week, Adelaide at the Snake pit on Friday and the Breakers at home on Sunday.
