Shawn Long imposes while NZ Breakers attack at Illawarra Hawks

Shawn Long finally found the beast mode and the NZ Breakers roll with it.

The Louisiana Grand American, who played 18 NBA games with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016-17, was notable for the Breakers, who broke a series of three home defeats in the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL). ) with a win of 96-79. on Rob Beveridge's Hawks Illawarra.

It was still a matter of time before Long started to play big for the Breakers and, after scoring a double-double of 16 points / 13 rebounds in the Cairns victory last Sunday, he followed with 26 points (10/14 FG), 13 rebounds and 2 blocks against the Hawks at Hamilton's Claudelands Arena on Friday night.

The 25-year-old center has gone through a fragile homeland defense by sending eight big dunks in 29 minutes of quality to amaze the midsize audience of the holiday season that has come up for this rare outing. ANBL in the Waikato.

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"He's a very talented player and as long as he stays in the matches, we'll be good," said coach Kevin Braswell, of his big star man.

The win, their second on the rebound after five days of defeats, allowed the Breakers to return to 6-8 and see them outpacing the 6-9 Hawks who are currently in sixth place.

Like last week in northern Queensland, Long enjoyed the support of his teammates. The livewire Jarrad Weeks continued his momentum by scoring 13 points on 4 of his 11 shots, while Armani Moore also brought the necessary energy to score 13 points (5/9 FG), seven rebounds, two aids, two interceptions and a pair of blocks.

And Patrick Richard pulled out of his personal funk and broke a confusing start to reverse late shots en route to 14 points (5/13 FG), three rebounds and six assists.

Shea Ili's shot did not go down and four turnovers, one or two more than he would have liked, but he still managed to score 11 points in 3 evenings of shooting on 10. And of course, Mr. Reliable Tai Wesley managed to contribute with eight points, five boards, five assists and four blocks.

Outstanding goalkeeper Corey Webster was a late defection for the Breakers after getting ankle rolled at the training on Thursday. But he confirmed that he had recovered well and that he was hoping to stay away from the match.

Given Webster's difficulties – he's averaged only 4.2 points in 20% in his last five games – it's hard not to think that a draw does not quite fit. to what the doctor has prescribed. It was a theory he supported when he was interviewed in the game.

"It's going to be good for me," he said of the forced fracture. "I've had some stuff with hip and cortisone (injection) .It's all cleared up but this break will be good.I hope to finish the second half of the season in strength."

Breaker legend Cedric Jackson showed flashes of his former star quality with 10 points, three boards and three assists for the Hawks, led by 16 points on 6 shots out of 9 on Jordair Jett.

The Breakers set the tone for the first two quarter-finals, after a remarkable first half of 14 (5 out of 7) and Long's eight rebounds that had managed to make their way with the Hawks.

The Auckland club gave pace and intensity against a surprisingly dull Illawarra team to lead 22-10 after the first period and 46-32 at halftime, taking a solid 46% lead since the ground, limiting the Hawks to only 12 out of 38. (32%) and win the fight 30-21.

The Hawks briefly floundered in the third quarter to bring the deficit down to single digits, but the Breakers ended the period in strength to regain their lead at 14 during the final break and never seemed to leave from there. .

The Breakers now have a few days to enjoy the holiday season before ending up for a major visit to the Adelaide 36ers on December 30th. Another side they face for what looks like fourth and last place in the playoffs.

NZ Breakers 96 (Shawn Long 26, Patrick Richard 14, Jarrad Weeks 13, Armani Moore 13, Shea Ili 11) Illawarra Hawks 79 (Jordair Jett 16, AJ Ogilvy 13, Todd Blanchfield 11, Cedric Jackson 10, Brian Conklin 10). 1Q: 22-10; HT 46-32; 3Q: 70-56