The New Zealand Breakers have beaten the visiting Cairns Taipans 85-74 to keep their hopes alive of defending their Australian basketball league title.
Breakers' Alex Pledger beats Taipans' Matthew Burston to score. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The win sees the Breakers climb back into the top four, as they battle fourth-placed Adelaide for the final playoff spot, with two regular season games remaining.
The Breakers led 45-44 at half-time in Auckland after trailing Cairns 28-21 following the first quarter.
The home side only led 60-59 heading into the final quarter, but showed more desire down the stretch to run away with their third straight victory.
Swingman Tom Abercrombie top-scored with 19 points, shooting guard Corey Webster scored 18 points while point guard Cedric Jackson grabbed a double-double with 15 points and 11 assists.
The Illawarra Hawks, the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United have already qualified for the post-season.
