Published: 6:55PM Sunday December 14, 2014 Source: ONE News
- Added 18:28 As it happened: NZ Breakers v Melbourne United video
- The Breakers chase down the Wildcats
- Breakers ready to bring back the energy
The New Zealand Breakers have returned to the top of a topsy-turvy NBL ladder, but were made to work for a 92-87 victory over Melbourne United in Australia today.
The Kiwi side were keen to kick on after an impressive win over last season's champion Perth Wildcats on Thursday, but were never allowed any breathing space against a Melbourne side who had won their past six matches at home and were desperate to keep touch with the competition front-runners.
The lead switched a dozen times, with the Melbourne faithful given hope of an upset win when Jordan McRae put his side in the lead with less than a minute remaining.
However a tidy tip-in by Breakers import Ekene Ibekwe, and some clutch free-throws from Corey Webster, who top-scored for the visitors with 19 points, saw them over the line as they moved to 11-4 and a temporary place on top of the ladder.
Veteran Mark Worthington ensured Melbourne kept pace with the three-times champion Breakers in the first half, scoring 10 points and nabbing seven rebounds by the major break.
However New Zealand's work on the boards - a battle they won 35-29 - ensured Melbourne were unable to kick away at any stage.
Cedric Jackson was a standout for the Breakers once again, scoring 18 points and adding six assists and four rebounds, while three other players joined him and Webster in reaching double figures in the scoring charts.
The match was Mika Vukona's 251st appearance for the club, which saw him move past assistant coach Paul Henare's record.
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