The New Zealand Breakers are alive - for now.
Last year's NBL runners-up downed Melbourne United 88-70 in Auckland to stay in the hunt for a semi-finals place.
Paul Henare Photo: Photosport
Sitting seventh as round 28 began, the Breakers needed a win, as well as other results to go their way, to make their sixth playoff series in seven years.
And the Auckland-based side did all they could, outgunning a wasteful United from behind the three-point line to secure victory.
United scored barely 20 per cent of all attempts from distance, while the Breakers managed a more-respectable 36 per cent.
The Perth Wildcats beat the Sydney Kings 101-74 to stay in the top four and the Breakers will be hoping the Wildcats beat Melbourne in the last game of the regular season to make sure of a play-off spot.
"Unfortunately yes, I'll probably watch every game and that'll be a horrible time," Breakers coach Paul Henare said.
Breakers player Finn Delany. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Breakers young gun Finn Delaney was a standout, notching 13 points and nine rebounds, while stalwart Kirk Penney netted 15 points.
The 36-year-old Penney's haul, scored despite a mediocre 26 per cent conversion rate, makes him the first Breaker in NBL history to score 3000 points.
The result was all the more impressive given the hospitalisation of skipper Mika Vukona on Wednesday with a knee infection.
Vukona was expected to have surgery on Friday to reduce swelling on the knee but Henare said he'd since recovered enough to keep the scalpel at bay.
He was no certainty to play again this campaign.
"Whether the guys were playing for Mika or not, I think Mika will be sitting in that hospital bed, really proud of his team," Henare said.
"Our captain, spiritual, emotional, physical leader is out, and we find a way."
Nothing separated the sides in the first two quarters, as they struggled to find their range from around the court or break into a streak.
Breakers centre Alex Pledger excited with 12 points across the half, including one run of six straight points, while Casper Ware shone for the visitors with 11.
The hosts edged ahead by the end of the first quarter, up 21-18, before United pegged them back with a Chris Goulding halftime buzzer-beater to level at 38-38.
Field goals late in the third to Finn Delaney, Kevin Dillard and Paul Carter then gave the Breakers breathing room before Delaney slammed a trio of dunks.
United kept themselves in the match, hanging within striking distance as the seconds ticked away, but fell away late in the fourth quarter to a flurry of points.
"To be part of a group like this, any obstacle put in front of them or thrown at them, they find a way to keep pushing and battling," Henare said.
"Seeing guys like Finn, Shea Ili, everyone that stepped on the floor embraced the moment."
-AAP
