KEY POINTS:
Having hit a mid-season speed bump after losing both American imports to injury, New Zealand's NBL franchise finds itself on the brink of yet another precipice.
What had looked to be a breakthrough season is on the verge of unravelling, with the team's presence in the playoff frame under threat after a run of three losses in four games.
Those losses could largely be explained by the loss (temporary) of team heartbeat Rick Rickert and playmaker Wayne Turner (permanent), and tough fixtures against the likes of the table-topping Sydney Kings and defending champion Brisbane Bullets - but the Breakers are done with excuses.
"We had to face the fact that we've probably been using the disruptions as an excuse and we have to get back to basics," veteran point guard Paul Henare said.
"Where we've struggled has been at the defensive end and that is more about attitude. Playing hard on defence isn't about knowing plays or understanding your teammates, so it's an area that we can all take responsibility for and improve on."
Tackling two of the league's frontrunners in their past two games had been a wake-up call, Henare said.
"To be honest, if you're working hard to gel as a team, these are the sort of games you need as a benchmark. They are the two in-form teams in the NBL and have shown us where we need to be in terms of consistency and performance."
The Breakers will be hoping import replacements Orien Greene and Derrick Alston have found their feet when they take on the Hawks on the North Shore tonight.
Coach Andrej Lemanis said it was time for his team to put the loss of Turner and Rickert behind them.
"We've let this disruptive period weigh on us too much," Lemanis said. "We need to accept it has happened, put it behind us and concentrate on what we can control."
The Breakers are 7th in the 13-team league with a 9-8 record, while the Hawks are 11th. But Henare isn't taking anything for granted.
"They're still a handful and one of those dangerous teams that hover around the play-off mark. They battled through their injuries early in the season, but now they're looking ominous. Their big guys are playing well and they gave the Kings a huge fright last week."
The Breakers are also mindful that their overall record against Wollongong is not flash - just four wins in 13 games. The home record is a little better with a 3-win, 4-loss record, including a 121-100 victory five weeks ago.
"It's an important game in terms of our season," Lemanis said. "It will be crucial to go into our short Christmas break firmly cemented in the top eight and feeling good about life.
"We also have a run of away games, with just one match at home in six matches over the holiday season, so defending our home court this week takes on even more significance."
