The New Zealand Breakers have opened their National Basketball League campaign with an 83 points to 70 win over the Sydney Kings in Australia.
The Breakers led by 14 points at half-time and held off the hosts down the stretch to spoiled the Kings' homecoming party in front of 8,533 fans at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.
The Kings closed to within a point early in the final quarter of the Sydney side's home opener before former King CJ Bruton and import Kevin Braswell took control down the stretch to start the Breakers' season on a winning note.
Bruton notched 10 points while Braswell tallied 16 points. The Kings import Taj McCullough led all scorers with 17 points.
In Saturday night's other match, the Townsville Crocodiles defeated the Cairns Taipans 79-70 at the Townsville Entertainment Centre.
