The New Zealand Breakers maintained their place at the top of the NBL ladder with a hard fought 101-96 win over the Bullets in Brisbane.
Breakers guard Shea Ili Photo: Photosport
The clash was in the balance until star Brisbane import Perrin Buford (18 points) left the game courtesy of a foul with four minutes on the clock.
His departure had an immediate effect as the Breakers opened up a six point lead heading into the final few minutes.
Young Breakers guard Shea Ili scored a game-high 23 points while import Edgar Sosa knocked down some big threes in the third quarter in his total of 19 points.
Severe storm warnings all afternoon worked against Brisbane with the home crowd support down on what was expected.
The game in the first half was almost as ugly as the weather with the referees blowing 26 fouls as Brisbane came from a 24-23 first quarter deficit to lead 50-49 at halftime.
Ili kept the visitors in the contest with 15 points shooting at almost 85 per cent.
"I was happy with the way we were able to hang around and keep the scoreboard ticking over," said Breakers coach Paul Hanare.
"Our defence wasn't up to our usual standards but it was a high quality basketball game.
"Fortunately we had enough petrol in the tank to finish strongly."
Brisbane's defence faded at crucial times during the night, something coach Andrej Lemanis conceded was a real problem.
"You can just sense the frustration and until we find an answer to our defence it always going to be tough for us," he said.
"Offensively we are the best in the league but we gave up 101 points tonight.
"We need to do something to stop our defence leaking points."
