Townsville Crocodiles have thumped the New Zealand Breakers 89-66 in their NBL basketball clash in Townsville.
The Breakers guard Corey Webster. Photo: Photosport
It is the defending champion Breakers fifth straight loss and they remain fifth on the table, outside the top four playoff places.
Townsville are in 7th place.
Breakers forward Tai Wesley's 13 points and 12 from Cedric Jackson led the visitors who couldn't find the offensive execution nor the defensive toughness they have long been renowned for.
Breakers coach Dean Vickerman said his side hadn't matched the Crocs in any of the effort areas.
"Tonight we came out with a soft mentality, they were super aggressive and it showed at half time when they get to the line 16 times and smash us by 10 on the boards," Vickerman said.
"We didn't go close to matching their intensity or intent in the way they played, that's the most furious I've been at half time this season."
The Crocs passion made all the difference in the opening term as their starters pushed and probed the Breakers across the court to lead 29-11 at one stage.
The Breakers visit Cairns Taipans on Saturday night.
Melbourne, Perth, Illawarra and Adelaide are the top four.
