16 Dec 2016

Breakers find form against Perth Wildcats

6:51 am on 16 December 2016

The Breakers have turned on their strongest defensive effort of the season so far in to smother the Perth Wildcats 69-57 in their ANBL basketball match in Auckland last night.

The Breakers dominated the re-match of last year's grand finalists with swarming and physical approach which has been missing for much of the season.

The win helps them climb from seventh to fourth on a congested table.

Tom Abercrombie returned to form in helping the Breakers overcome the Perth Wildcats.

Tom Abercrombie returned to form in helping the Breakers overcome the Perth Wildcats. Photo: Photosport

One of the teams they leapfrog are the defending champion Wildcats, who suffered their fifth loss in their past six games.

Breakers centre Alex Pledger scored 16 points, made six blocks and pulled down nine rebounds.

Forward Tom Abercrombie emerged from a form slump, recording a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds while Kirk Penney scored 16 points, starting at guard in place of Corey Webster, who this week was placed on an injury waiver and would be sidelined for an indefinite period.

The match was the Breakers last home game of the year having the next two weeks off with their next match away to Sydney.