Barry Brown Jr top scored for the Breakers in game two of the ANBL semi-final series. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
The Breakers have missed the chance to secure an ANBL grand finals berth, dropping game two of the semi-final series against the Tasmania Jackjumpers.
It means there'll be a series decider in Auckland on Sunday after Tasmania levelled the best of three series at one all, with a 89-78 win in Hobart on Thursday night.
The Breakers dominated Game 1 in Auckland with a 88-68 win but the JackJumpers turned in a much improved performance.
In a tight game the Breakers edged out to a five point lead late in the third quarter, only for the home side to score the next 11 points either side of three quarter-time.
Three pointers proved the key difference between the two sides with Tasmania hitting 11 out of 28 shots from beyond the arc while the Breakers managed just six from 23.
Barry Brown Jr top-scored for the Breakers with 19 points, three rebounds and three steals with Jarrell Brantley contributing 17 points, nine boards, three steals and two blocks, and Dererk Pardon 15 points, 11 rebounds and four steals.
Breakers coach Mody Maor. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Breakers coach Mody Maor has full faith in his team bouncing back in Game 3 on Sunday.
"We got outplayed...JackJumpers responded and played great, we didn't defend to the level we defend and our offence was a little bit stagnant," said Maor.
"Some of it came from just missing some good open threes and we'll play better next time. There are things from a tactical standpoint we can do better with and we will do better with.
"Other than that, there's more fire in us. We're better from an intensity standpoint most times and we're a new team in new circumstances, and I think we really, really wanted it," he said.
"Sometimes that takes you to a place that's not necessarily a positive one. But I have so much faith and trust in this group and they have overcome every challenge that's been thrown at them. I'm sure this is going to be very similar."
-RNZ