Freddie Gillespie of the Breakers (left) and Cameron Oliver of the Kings compete for a loose ball during their NBL game in Sydney. Photo: photosport
The Breakers have rebounded from a heavy defeat three days earlier to pip the Sydney Kings 93-89 and climb to second on the NBL standings.
The Auckland side made it four wins from six in a gutsy performance in Sydney, which came in the wake of a 26-point hammering at the hands of South East Melbourne Phoenix in Auckland on Thursday.
They also had to overcome a debilatating injury list, with Dane Pineau, Mojave King, Mitch McCarron and Max Darling all unavailable.
Guards Matthew Mooney (24 points) and Parker Jackson-Cartwright (21) lead the way offensively for the Breakers, while forward Karim Lopez pulled down 10 rebounds, including five off the offensive boards, to go with 13 points.
After a sluggish start to trail by seven at the first quarter break, the visitors fought back to lead 49-45 at half-time and were still four points up going into a tense final quarter.
The Kings stayed in touch throughout, thanks largely to 23 points from their New Zealand international, Izayah Le'afa.
The Breakers return home to face the Adelaide 36ers on Saturday.
