They did it the hard way but the Breakers kept their Australian NBL championship defence alive, overcoming Townsville Crocs 97-80 at Vector Arena last night.
With their season on the line, the titleholders completed their comeback from the edge of the precipice with a performance that reached sublime heights. Veteran guard CJ Bruton turned back the clock to steer the Breakers clear with a 20-point haul that included key buckets at crucial times. Forward Tom Abercrombie and guard Daryl Corletto had 19 points apiece.
As they had in their Game One defeat, the hosts again conceded the early running, gifting their opponents a succession of turnovers and six straight points through their indecision. They also suffered a blow as American Cedric Jackson headed to the bench with two quick fouls.
But an eight-point run saw them draw even and then sneak ahead 21-20 with a Dillon Boucher basket to end the first period. Townsville struck from distance as the game resumed and they threatened to draw away once more.
The champions lifted defensively and swung momentum back their way with a 10-point run - but the pinpoint sniping of Peter Crawford kept the Crocs in the contest and another from Michael Cedar on the stroke of halftime had them trailing only 42-44.