Mangok Mathiang of the Breakers. Photo: Photosport
The Breakers survived a late resurgence from the Tasmania JackJumpers to win their NBL game 94-88 and keep their finals hopes alive.
A return to their former court at the North Shore Events Centre worked wonders for the Breakers, who led by as much as 21 points before surviving the tense final stages after the visitors had closed the gap siginficantly in the third quarter.
The result lifts the Breakers one place to eighth and within sight of the top six if they can keep winning over the closing six rounds.
They face a crucial match tomorrow night in Wollongong against the Illawarra Hawks, who share the same 10-12 record.
Guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright top-scored for the Breakers with 25 - including six of eight three-point attempts - while fellow-American Zylan Cheatham scored 20 and pulled off five rebounds.
The Breakers landed an impressive 15 of their 26 three-point shots but coach Mody Maor was happiest with their determination when their lead crumbled in the second half.
"We showed real maturity and real growth in the way we handled the adversity in the third quarter," Maor said.
"We played the right way ... effort plays, stayed consistent. Very proud."
Jack McVeigh scored 22 for Tasmania, who were stymied by shooting just 14 of 26 from the free-throw line in a result that all-but ends their finals chances.