Kings crash to 36ers

Updated December 30, 2011 23:08:23

Adelaide forced the Kings' long suffering fans to endure another wretched home performance with a 96-77 win at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

It was a fifth loss in eight home games for Sydney (6-9) and in four of those they have been crushed by at least 18 points.

The shocking Kings suffered the indignity of missing all 10 of their three-point attempts.

Injury-hit Adelaide (5-9) made light of the absences of captain Adam Ballinger and his deputy Nathan Crosswell.

Adelaide big man Daniel Johnson underlined his growing claims to the league's most improved player award with a 21-point, 14-rebound performance.

Stephen Weigh chipped in with 17, Nathan Herbert 14 and Chris Warren 13.

The Kings slashed a 12-point, second-quarter deficit to two in the third, but Adelaide produced a decisive 17-4 run to end the term with a 74-59 lead.

Adelaide got as far ahead as 21 points in the final quarter.

Kings captain and centre Julian Khazzouh fouled out early in the final quarter, though with 12 points on five of 15 field-goal attempts, it was not one of his better games, despite logging nine rebounds and three blocks.

Luke Cooper top-scored for Sydney with 13 points, while Anatoly Bose bagged 12 and Jerai Grant 10.

AAP

Tags: basketball, nbl, sport, sydney-2000, adelaide-5000

First posted December 30, 2011 23:08:23

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Bruton back for Breakers

Updated December 29, 2011 16:49:02

Influential point guard CJ Bruton will return to the New Zealand Breakers line-up for the reigning NBL champions' New Year's Eve clash against Cairns.

Bruton has had to sit and watch the table-topping Breakers' past five games as he recovers from a torn patella tendon in his knee.

The Breakers still sit atop the NBL table with 10 wins from 14 starts, although it stuttered last Friday when the second-placed Perth Wildcats racked up a convincing 86-62 win at Challenge Stadium.

While his repaired tendon still requires careful management, the sight of Bruton mixing it up in practice, making three-pointers and driving the lane was a welcome sight for Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis.

"Leadership and experience are big things that CJ brings, and the ability to be calm in times of excitement and anxiety," Lemanis said.

"And obviously his ability to put the ball in the basket or give a shot to a team-mate is something that is always handy."

Bruton himself is downplaying his return.

"Everyone gets injured, it's not the end of the world. It's just something you have to get over," he said.

Lemanis was pleased with the intensity shown in practice, with plenty of physicality as the team scrimmaged for the final time before leaving on Friday for Cairns.

"It was good today," Lemanis said.

"So far this week we have lacked a bit of an edge and we spoke about that before practice."

AAP

Tags: basketball, sport, nbl, new-zealand

First posted December 29, 2011 16:45:20

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Heat dump Mavs in season opener

Updated December 26, 2011 15:02:07

The Miami Heat gained a little revenge for last year's NBA Finals loss, spoiling the Dallas Mavericks' championship celebration with a resounding 105-94 victory on the opening day of the season.

LeBron James was on fire as Miami ran away with the game, taking a 97-65 lead after three quarters, before allowing Dallas, which never led, to make the score respectable in the fourth.

The game was part of a five-game Christmas opening day to the delayed and reduced 66-game regular season, after the five month lockout during the dispute between players and owners over a new collective contract.

The Heat had to wait in their locker room as the Mavericks raised their championship banner minutes before the start of the game as Dallas players, wearing "2011 NBA Champions" on the back of their tracksuits, celebrated.

But when the game got underway, finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki and team-mates Jason Kidd and Jason Terry were swept aside by an impressive Heat, who showed exactly why they are the favorites for the title this season.

James scored 37 points and had 10 rebounds and six assists while Dwyane Wade contributed 26 points with eight rebounds and six assists, as the Heat's two biggest names offered an early reminder of their quality.

Elsewhere, Carmelo Anthony shot 17 points in the final quarter to lead the New York Knicks from an eight-point deficit to edge the Boston Celtics 106-104.

Anthony, who joined the Knicks from Denver midway through last season, top-scored with 37 points.

Derrick Rose hit the winning basket with less than five seconds on the clock as the Chicago Bulls beat Los Angeles Lakers 88-87.

Lakers star Kobe Bryant, playing with a torn wrist ligament, scored 28 points but saw a potential game-winning shot blocked by Luol Deng on the buzzer.

Oklahoma City Thunder defeated Orlando Magic 97-89 on the back of Kevin Durant's 30 points.

Reuters

Tags: sport, basketball, united-states

First posted December 26, 2011 13:09:10

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Wildcats snap Breakers' streak

Updated December 24, 2011 01:16:31

Perth Wildcats have kept the pressure on ladder-leading New Zealand, ending the Breakers' five-match winning run with a thumping 86-62 win at Challenge Stadium.

Jesse Wagstaff led the way for the home team with 23 points while Kevin Lisch added 18 as Perth bounced straight back from last Saturday's narrow away defeat to Gold Coast Blaze.

The second-placed Wildcats are now just one win behind the Breakers, who have tasted defeat just four times in 14 matches.

In Sydney, the Townsville Crocodiles defeated the Kings 100-93 in an entertaining affair courtesy of superior long-range shooting.

Crocodiles trio Eddie Gill (26 points, nine assists), Peter Crawford (22 points) and Jacob Holmes (21 points, 11 rebounds) were irresistible from three-point territory and proved the difference.

Kings big men Julian Khazzouh (17 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, four blocks) and Jerai Grant (18 points, 12 rebounds) made their presence felt at both ends, but the Crocs guards ultimately led them to a hard-fought victory.

On the Gold Coast, a sublime shooting performance from point guard Adam Gibson led the Blaze to a crushing 96-77 victory over the Adelaide 36ers.

With Boomer Mark Worthington sidelined for most of the first half with foul problems, youngster Jason Cadee (13 points) and NBL journeyman Stephen Hoare (10) stepped up for Gold Coast.

But Gibson was the star for the home side, hitting four three-pointers amongst his game-high 27 points, while Will Hudson and Anthony Petrie finished with 10 points each.

Big men Daniel Johnson (24) and Diamon Simpson (18) provided the only resistance Adelaide could muster, with Chris Warren (12) and Darren Ng (10) only reaching double figures once the game was decided.

And at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne, Cameron Tragardh's 14 points led the Tigers to a narrow 67-65 triumph over the Cairns Taipans.

ABC/AAP

Tags: sport, basketball, nbl, perth-6000, wa, new-zealand, australia

First posted December 24, 2011 00:59:23

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Joyce wins big payout from Blaze

Updated December 23, 2011 19:34:46

A Brisbane judge has ordered the Gold Coast Blaze basketball club pay former coach Brendan Joyce more than $300,000 in damages for breaching his contract.

Joyce's contract with the Blaze was terminated in 2009.

He argued the club unlawfully sacked him two years into a four-year deal.

The Blaze say they are surprised by the decision and are seeking further advice from their lawyers.

Tags: sport, basketball, nbl, broadbeach-4218, qld, australia

First posted December 23, 2011 19:34:46

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Warriors cut Kings' Khazzouh

Updated December 19, 2011 13:09:43

Julian Khazzouh will return to Sydney after NBA side Golden State decided against taking him on for the 2011/12 season.

Khazzouh scored two points against the Sacramento Kings in his only preseason game with the Warriors on Saturday but will not stay on with the side ahead of their regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on Christmas Day.

Sydney hopes to have its centre back in the line-up for Friday night's game against Townsville.

Khazzouh's agent Daniel Moldovan had previously said that the lack of an off-season, caused by the NBA lockout may mean his client would have a better chance in 2012 of joining fellow Australian, Milwaukee Bucks centre Andrew Bogut, in the NBA.

Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia, united-states

First posted December 19, 2011 13:09:43

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Tigers beat Crocs to end losing slide

Updated December 18, 2011 23:35:26

The Melbourne Tigers snapped a four-game losing streak with an entertaining 93-80 win over the visiting Townsville Crocodiles on Sunday night.

The Tigers led by as many as 17 points in the third quarter before withstanding a spirited fight back by the Crocs to move into the NBL top four.

Cameron Tragardh led the Tigers with 19 points to win his battle against ex-NBA centre Luke Schenscher, who finished with 11 for the Crocodiles.

Tom Greer and Ron Dorsey both had 18 for Melbourne.

Peter Crawford was outstanding for Townsville with 30 on 8-of-14 three-point shooting, while Jacob Holmes added 20 points and eight rebounds.

Melbourne coach Trevor Gleeson said his team understood the importance of ending its losing streak.

"We've been playing well but it's the end result that counts in this league," Gleeson said.

"It was a big win, a real tough win against an in-form team.

"Last time we played them we took too many short cuts, tonight we were very good defensively and we got the bikkies in the end."

Townsville coach Paul Woolpert was unimpressed with his team's ability to execute, particularly at the offensive end.

"We got back to five (points down) after three quarters and then had two or three poor possessions to start the fourth quarter," Woolpert lamented.

"Our offence was horrendous in the fourth quarter. It was sloppy basketball with poor execution."

AAP

Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia, townsville-4810, qld

First posted December 18, 2011 23:35:26

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Bulleen coughs up handy lead

Updated December 18, 2011 19:48:34

Bulleen squandered the chance to take outright second on the WNBL ladder with a 85-78 defeat to Canberra at the AIS Arena on Sunday.

Capitals centre Marianna Tolo went head to head with Boomers star Liz Cambage and more than held her own, compiling 22 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks.

WNBA player Cambage managed 21 points, nine boards and six rebounds but was unable to stop her side coughing up an 11-point lead to hand the victory to the home side.

Bulleen would have gone clear of Sydney Uni with victory but instead remain locked on points but higher on percentage.

Canberra's victory boosted its slim final hopes, backing up Wednesday's 87-69 eclipse of crosstown easy-beats the AIS.

Tags: wnbl, basketball, sport, bulleen-3105, vic, australia, canberra-2600, act

First posted December 18, 2011 19:48:34

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NBL considering two new teams

Updated December 15, 2011 18:13:58

Two groups chasing licences to play in next season's NBL will have to convince the competition's commission they are not fly-by-night operators but have long-term plans.

Basketball Australia chief executive Larry Sengstock says the NBL commission has received licence applications from two groups, one from Brisbane - which has been without an NBL side since 2008 - and another from a Melbourne consortium.

While the commission is keen to have a Brisbane team back on the floor in 2011/12, hard lessons learned means neither group will get the nod without a strong working model and a long-term commitment.

The commission's view is that waiting another another 12 months is better than granting licences to groups that may fall over within a year or 18 months, causing more embarrassment for the league.

"The commission has asked NBL management to validate some of the detailed information contained in the applications before we can make a determination as to whether either bid group has satisfied the requirements to be issued an NBL licence," Sengstock said.

"Expansion of the league is a strategic priority, however it remains imperative that it is achieved in a measured and considered way.

"It is imperative any expansion is sustainable for the long term and we will undertake all necessary steps to ensure as a commission we deliver that."

A decision is not expected until early in the New Year once that verification process is completed.

AAP

Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia, vic, melbourne-3000

First posted December 15, 2011 18:13:58

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Lightning too strong for Thunder

Updated December 10, 2011 22:26:22

The Lightning posted a comfortable 88-67 victory over Logan Thunder at Adelaide Arena.

Suzy Batkovic-Brown led the scoring for the Lightning via a 27-point haul, while Renae Camino impressed for the Thunder with 24 points.

In other results, Dandenong Rangers won on the road through a 73-64 result over the Fire in Townsville, the Spirit triumphed 80-58 against AIS at Bendigo Stadium and Sydney Uni Flames downed Canberra Capitals 76-70 at AIS Arena.

Tags: wnbl, basketball, sport, adelaide-5000

First posted December 10, 2011 22:26:22

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Breakers overpower 36ers

Updated December 11, 2011 21:35:27

New Zealand forward Gary Wilkinson starred for the Breakers, who overpowered the 36ers 86-73 in Adelaide.

The league-leading Breakers struggled to crack the tough 36ers defence early but Wilkinson eventually unlocked the home side, top-scoring with 30 points.

Fellow import Cedric Jackson (11 points, nine assists, eight rebounds) flirted with a triple-double, while young centre Alex Pledger had 13 points and seven rebounds in just 15 minutes.

Big man Daniel Johnson was the 36ers best with 17 points, while imports Chris Warren and Diamon Simpson both scored 16.

Warren was at his elusive best in the opening minutes, sinking two three-pointers as the 36ers raced to a 10-point lead over the sluggish Breakers.

Wilkinson responded with some sublime shooting of his own, and with the hard-working Jackson and Pledger also getting busy, the visitors trailed 27-23 at the first break.

The second period was a defensive affair until Wilkinson imposed himself on the game, at one point drawing gasps from the crowd with a superb fall-away basket.

But with Warren and Johnson in fine touch, the 36ers continued to match the more-fancied Breaker offence, taking a 45-44 lead into the main break.

Early in the third term, 36ers guard Nathan Crosswell fell awkwardly and the game was stopped while two team-mates helped him off the court. The Breakers seemed to sense their moment, slamming home 12 points without reply.

Sixers forward Stephen Weigh suddenly came to life with some classy finishing inside to keep the home side within a point going into the deciding quarter.

Jackson notched a three-pointer from out wide as the Breakers quickly moved 10 points ahead in the final term, and some pinpoint long-range shooting from Wilkinson saw off the 36ers challenge.

In other Sunday results, the Crocodiles were too strong for Sydney Kings at the Townsville Entertainment Centre, winning 80-69, and Perth defeated the Hawks 98-70 in Wollongong.

AAP

Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, adelaide-5000

First posted December 11, 2011 19:46:40

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Caps see off Students

Updated December 14, 2011 22:02:56

The battle of Canberra has predictably gone once again to the Capitals, who hammered the struggling AIS 87-69 at the AIS Training Hall on Wednesday evening.

Marianna Tolo top-scored for the visitors with 21 points, while Jess Bibby added 17.

Casey Samuels managed 19 points for the Institute.

Tags: sport, basketball, wnbl, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted December 14, 2011 22:02:56

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Fire prove too good for Flames

Updated December 18, 2011 01:01:46

Townsville made it two road wins in two nights with an 85-79 victory over the Flames in Sydney on Saturday night.

The Fire started slow out of the blocks and conceded a 12-point lead in the first quarter.

But the visitors fought back on the back of Shanavia Dowdell (26 points, 10/11, 13 rebounds) while Jess Foley added 17 points along with captain Rachael Flanagan's 14.

Townsville is now 10-5 with the Flames back to 9-4.

Sydney import Amy Denson led all scorers with 34 points.

In Bendigo, the Spirit made short work of Dandenong with a 92-63 victory.

Guard Kelly Wilson stole the show with seven three-pointers as Bendigo moved to 7-6 and now just a win behind the Rangers at 8-6.

Tess Madgen top scored with 28 points on 12 of 20 shooting for the Spirit.

In the late game in Perth, Adelaide cruised past the Waves 78-57.

Suzy Batkovic-Brown put up 20 points for the Lightning and had help courtesy of 15 points from both Abby Bishop and Angela Marino.

Tags: sport, basketball, wnbl, sydney-2000, townsville-4810, nsw, bendigo-3550, australia, wa, qld, sa, adelaide-5000, dandenong-3175, vic, perth-6000

First posted December 18, 2011 01:01:46

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Khazzouh lines up NBA chance

By Mark Hides

Updated December 14, 2011 18:22:19

Sydney Kings star Julian Khazzouh takes his first steps towards realising his NBA dream when he attends a training session with Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

Khazzouh hopes to become the second Australian playing in the world's best basketball league when it tips off this month, joining Milwaukee Bucks centre Andrew Bogut.

The 209-centimetre centre's performance in Saturday's preseason game against Sacremento is likely to determine whether he makes the Oakland-based franchise's roster.

Khazzouh's agent Daniel Moldovan admitted he has been surprised by the interest in his client this year, especially after the owners' lockout left a shortened preseason.

"Hopefully Julian will step in and get some decent minutes in the game against Sacramento," Moldovan said.

"I think after that we'll have an idea if they want to keep him this year or bring him back next year with a full off-season under his belt.

"We originally thought that next year would be a good time to give the NBA a really solid shake.

"But obviously we were pleasantly surprised to know that numerous teams were interested in having a look at him now, with Golden State being the best fit given they definitely are a little bit thin in the front line."

If Khazzouh is brought on board by the Warriors he could make his NBA debut away to Los Angeles Clippers when the season begins on Christmas Day.

Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 14, 2011 11:33:48

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Blaze fight back to dump Perth

Updated December 18, 2011 00:42:53

The Gold Coast Blaze rose from the dead to seal an extraordinary 77-74 NBL win over the Perth Wildcats on Saturday night.

Trailing by as many as 21 points in the first half, the Blaze appeared set to endure an embarrassing defeat on their home court as Wildcats Kevin Lisch (17 points), Luke Nevill (10) and Matt Knight (9 points, 14 rebounds) ran riot.

But the Blaze turned the tables in dramatic fashion, securing a memorable win with a 44-22 second half.

Boomer Adam Gibson (28 points, 11/15 shooting) was inspirational, launching the rescue mission with three consecutive triples to open the third quarter, while Mark Worthington celebrated his 200th NBL game with a 15-point, nine-rebound performance.

It was a disastrous start for the Blaze, with their opening seven shots rimming out, as Damian Martin and Knight got things moving for the visitors.

Five quick points from Gibson kept the scoreline honest, but Gold Coast's 25 per cent shooting had it trailing 25-18 at the first break.

The Wildcats started the second term quickly with Jesse Wagstaff and Drew Williamson nailing three-pointers to push the lead out to 13.

After piling on 52 points in the opening half though, the Wildcats offence ran dry as Gold Coast surged, Chris Goulding coming to life in the open-court to give Gibson support.

Adris Deleon found his mojo after missing his first seven shots, posting 15 points (5/18 shooting) including the go-ahead basket in the 36th minute, before Gibson gave them a match-winning lead with a strong drive.

Perth had two chances to tie the game on the final play but could not connect.

There was injury to add to insult for the Wildcats, with Knight stretchered from the court with a suspected concussion after crashing heavily in the final term.

AAP

Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, perth-6000, southport-4215, qld, australia, wa

First posted December 17, 2011 23:24:38

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Sixers lose key duo

Updated December 13, 2011 09:31:21

The struggling Adelaide 36ers have lost both captain Adam Ballinger and vice-captain Nathan Crosswell to season-ending injuries.

Forward Ballinger has ruptured a tendon in his left ankle and guard Croswell has a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The 36ers have won just three out of 11 games and share the NBL's worst record with Wollongong, who they host on Friday.

AAP

Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, adelaide-5000

First posted December 12, 2011 18:02:58

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Thunder continues West Coast's misery

Updated December 10, 2011 08:26:09

The Logan Thunder beat the West Coast Waves 86-65 in Perth to record their sixth win of the season on Friday night.

Cayla Francis (18 points) and Renae Camino (18) shared top contributions for Logan, in a result that puts the Thunder one spot below fifth-placed Dandenong in the finals places, with two games in hand.

A massive 30 points to WA's Rohanee Cox was not enough to prevent Logan cruising to its 21-point win, with only Melissa Marsh (13 points) offering any real assistance.

The loss is West Coast's 11th from 12 games, leaving the Waves rock bottom of the WNBL ladder.

Tags: wnbl, basketball, sport, perth-6000, wa, logan-city-dc-4114, qld, australia

First posted December 10, 2011 08:26:09

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Keneally to chair Basketball Australia board

Updated December 09, 2011 16:54:51

Former New South Wales premier Kristina Keneally has been appointed as the new head of Basketball Australia (BA).

Keneally, who is now a Labor Party backbencher, will be the new chair of the board of BA, and will be charged with breathing life into the NBL.

She will replace outgoing chair Justin Milne in the role.

Keneally said she saw huge opportunities for basketball to build on its recent gains.

"As a sport, basketball in Australia has some unique advantages that we are only just starting to capitalise on," Keneally said in a statement.

She said she would promote the WNBL as a major league in Australia during her two-year appointment.

"(It) deserves just as much attention in terms of sponsorship or television or attendance as the men's competition," Keneally said.

She said she could speak with a bit of knowledge of the sport and understood what it meant.

"I am passionate about sports in general and basketball in particular," she said.

Keneally said the sport's potential over was largely untapped and she saw huge opportunities for growth in both men's and women's basketball.

"There's currently over a million people in Australia (playing basketball), that's pretty significant, of course we'd like to see that grow," she said.

When asked about her unanimous appointment to the role she said, "There's a great desire to see someone who can stand up and speak for the league and speak with a bit of knowledge of the sport as well."

She said the immediate focus of BA was on the Olympics and she had high hopes of both the men's and women's teams returning with medals "of the golden variety".

Milne said Keneally was selected because of her great values and fierce determination.

Keneally said she was looking forward to the challenge.

"I think the experience that a politician brings, somebody who has worked across government, private sector and community organisations, is relevant experience," she said.

She will receive a $50,000 stipend.

AAP

Tags: basketball, sport, australia

First posted December 09, 2011 13:34:18

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Kings prevail in OT

Updated December 08, 2011 23:03:29

Julian Khazzouh led the Sydney Kings to an enthralling 107-103 overtime win against the Adelaide 36ers on Thursday night at the Entertainment Centre.

When Chris Warren's (15 points) three-point bomb gave Adelaide a two-point lead with just 2.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter the game appeared over.

But Khazzouh's drive to the basket on the final buzzer gave the centre two free throws to rescue the game, which he duly did.

With momentum swinging his side's way Khazzouh picked up three boards and three swats in overtime as the Kings secured the win.

His total of 20 points, 21 rebounds, four assists and three blocks proved the difference.

Rumoured to be trialling with the Golden State Warriors in the NBL next week, it took a long time for the Kings captain to come to life, and until he did Adelaide appeared to be in control.

Sixers centre Daniel Johnson (24 points, nine rebounds, three assists) put on a show early, scoring at will and helping keep Khazzouh scoreless for the first half.

With Diamon Simpson (19 points) providing the much-needed muscle under the boards along with Johnson and Stephen Weigh (12 points), the away side led by as many as eight in the second quarter and appeared set to register back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

But Kings point guard Aaron Bruce (24 points, five assists) showed why he has also attracted NBA interest, keeping the home team in the game along with Anatoly Bose (21), Jerai Grant (12), Luke Martin (13) and Ben Madgen (eight).

AAP

Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, adelaide-5000, sa, australia

First posted December 08, 2011 23:03:29

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Breakers overwhelm Blaze in fiery clash

Updated December 08, 2011 21:03:30

Two third-quarter ejections did little to calm a fiery NBL match at Auckland's North Shore Events Centre on Thursday.

Competition leader New Zealand cruised to an easy victory 106-85 over fourth-placed Gold Coast, but not before forwards Leon Henry for the Breakers and the Blaze's Anthony Petrie were ejected following an all-in brawl midway through the third quarter.

The Breakers took time to ease into their work and only some outstanding offensive rebounding early on from Mika Vukona kept them in the game.

But the Blaze's swarming zone defence continued to unsettle the Breakers and the Queenslanders led 31-25 at the end of the first quarter, guards Adris Deleon and James Harvey proving unstoppable from the three-point line.

The Breakers regathered, turning around a six-point deficit to a 58-50 lead at half-time.

With their long-range shots starting to fall, the Breakers extended their lead in the third stanza and the Blaze's frustrations finally boiled over five minutes into the spell as they trailed 57-73.

Two player ejections eased the tension only slightly, but the home side responded better and ran away in the closing quarter for its eighth win from 11 starts.

Vukona was in doubt for the match - his 150th for the Breakers - after rolling an ankle in training, but finished the game with an impressive 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Thomas Ambercrombie also picked up a double double, making 16 and 10, while Daryl Corletto and Alex Pledger also contributed 18 points apiece.

For the Blaze, Harvey and forward Will Hudson top scored with 19 each, but received precious little back-up.

AAP

Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, new-zealand, broadbeach-4218, qld, australia

First posted December 08, 2011 21:03:30

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Jarry leads Boomers past Spirit

Updated December 07, 2011 21:37:49

Bulleen forward Rachel Jarry posted 25 points as her side beat the Spirit 76-68 in Bendigo on Wednesday night.

Jarry also had 11 rebounds in the win while centre Liz Cambage added 16 points and 11 boards for the Boomers, who improved to 7-3 with the victory.

Bulleen led from wire to wire in the tight affair, sneaking to just a five-point advantage at half-time before Bendigo clawed a point back before the final quarter.

But the Spirit were plagued by poor shooting (25-of-67 from the floor) and the Boomers scored more in the paint, thanks in part to Cambage's efforts.

Kristi Harrower did her best to quell Jarry's influence, adding 25 points of her own but, aside from Gabrielle Richards (15), the home side lacked offensive punch.

Bendigo's next fixture is on Saturday night when the club hosts AIS before the perennial struggler backs up on Sunday afternoon to visit Bulleen.

Tags: wnbl, basketball, sport, bendigo-3550, bulleen-3105, vic, australia

First posted December 07, 2011 21:37:49

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Bogut ready for NBA return

Updated December 02, 2011 08:13:37

An excited Andrew Bogut is confident his enforced lay-off from basketball has not been time wasted as he prepares to return to a rescheduled NBA.

The Milwaukee Bucks and Australian centre is set for a Christmas Day start to the new season - delayed and now shortened because of a stand-off between the league's owners and the players' union.

Both parties came to a handshake agreement this week to end the lockout of the world's best basketball competition, with players - including Bogut - now voting on a deal expected to be accepted.

Bogut is adamant he is in good enough shape to tackle a 66-game regular season - 16 shorter than normal - which will be shoehorned into a tighter timeframe.

"I'm about 85 per cent (fit)," he said.

"I don't want to be at 100 right now because if I'm peaking right now, I'm going to get through training camp and I'm going to be burned out.

"I'm pretty comfortable with where I'm at.

"I've been shooting ever since the lockout started, and lifting weights. So I'll ramp up my conditioning a little bit this week and I'll be fine.

"It's good to be out of the unemployment line and back to what I do best."

But Bogut believes the tougher, tighter schedule will mean casualties from those who haven't put in the work during their time away from the court.

"If I was a punter, I'd guess there'll be a fair few injuries early on," he said.

"Hopefully most of the blokes will come back in shape, but a fair few who won't will find themselves in a bit of trouble because it's such a brutal schedule."

The 27-year-old's five months in playing limbo - not helped by a massive insurance premium dangling over his head preventing him from taking the court - has allowed him to work on several off-court projects in Australia.

The most ambitious is his move into athlete management - Bogut and his agent Bruce Kaider teaming up as partners in a consulting venture.

With one eye on his own future after his NBA career, Bogut will now help manage the affairs of other athletes.

Heading the stable of athletes are fellow Australian basketball stars Patty Mills and Lauren Jackson, Western Bulldogs' AFL player Shaun Higgins and US-based Major League baseballer Peter Moylan.

Bogut is scheduled to return to Milwaukee on Tuesday, ahead of club training camps scheduled to start on December 9.

AAP

Tags: basketball, sport, united-states, australia

First posted November 30, 2011 21:35:40

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Lightning strike against hapless Caps

Updated December 04, 2011 17:48:39

WNBL leader Adelaide came from behind to record an 84-75 win over the struggling Capitals in the South Australian capital on Sunday.

Canberra started strong and enjoyed a seven-point advantage at half-time but that was all but erased in the third quarter.

With just a one-point buffer going into the final term the Capitals went just 4-for-14 for eight points as the Lightning blew past them to take the contest comfortably.

Veteran Adelaide centre Suzy Batkovic led all scorers with 25 points while Abby Bishop had an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double and Amy Lewis added 13.

Jessica Bibby was the stand-out for Canberra with 21 points while four other Capitals registered double-figure hauls, but poor shooting in the fourth quarter was too much to overcome.

In Sunday's other clash, Bendigo walked all over AIS 71-30 in Canberra.

Deanna Smith (19), Tess Madgen (18) and Gabrielle Richards (11) led the charge for the Spirit against the perennial strugglers.

Tags: wnbl, basketball, sport, adelaide-5000, canberra-2600

First posted December 04, 2011 17:48:39

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Kings do enough to edge Taipans

Updated December 04, 2011 21:54:09

Sydney pulled off an upset 69-64 win over Cairns on Sunday night that could drop the Taipans out of the NBL top four.

Coming into the clash with a 5-4 record in third spot, the Snakes finished the round at 4-4 level with fellow Queenslanders Gold Coast and Townsville.

The Kings built a five-point lead by the end of the first quarter and extended it to 10 by the main break.

Cairns fought back and pared five points off the lead going into the final term, an evenly matched affair that saw both sides post 17 points.

Centre Julian Khazzouh was the focal point of the Kings offense, scoring 18 points and grabbing six rebounds as the home side dominated the paint.

Sydney also had scoring contributions from Luke Martin and Jarai Grant, the former going 2-for-3 from downtown.

It was just the second time this season the Kings have won on their home court, but the result was not guaranteed as Andrew Warren put up 19 points and Jamar Wilson had 10 for the Taipans.

Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, cairns-4870, qld, australia

First posted December 04, 2011 21:54:09

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Less bench time for Mills in China

Updated December 05, 2011 16:14:39

Boomers point guard Patty Mills is optimistic his move to China will pay big dividends for Australia in the lead-up to the 2012 London Olympics and pave the way for a return to the NBA.

Mills joined Xinjiang Flying Tigers, leaving NBL team Melbourne Tigers, last month on a deal reportedly worth upwards of $1 million before the NBA lock-out was resolved and a season start date set for Christmas Day.

Without an opt-out clause in his contract, Mills cannot return to the NBA until the end of the Chinese season in March.

His future with NBA team Portland Trail Blazers uncertain, Mills felt China was the best option and the bonus for Australia's Olympic campaign is his greatly increased court time as a starting player with the Flying Tigers.

Mills wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring a game-high 42 points in a 121-108 victory over Tianjin Rong in his team's most recent outing.

Agent Bruce Kaider says Mills "absolutely" retains the long-term goal of playing in the NBA.

"There were no guarantees in Portland. He would've had to go back there and fight for a spot and he may not have even been in Portland," Kaider said.

"He probably wouldn't have played the minutes he will in China.

"Certainly leading into London 2012 I think it's important for Patty and the Australian men's program that Patty is actually playing minutes and working on his game and developing his game."

Mills announced himself as an NBA talent when he helped Australia reach the quarter-finals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and he was drafted by Portland in 2009.

Kaider is confident if the dynamic guard can continue his current form through until the Olympics in July, NBA scouts will again take notice.

"Beijing was his coming out Olympics where people got to see him and what he could do for the first time really at an international event at that level," Kaider said.

"I think London is going to be the evolution of Patty, where he's developed, how he can lead his team and how he can progress the Boomers beyond where they've been in the past.

"Without putting too much pressure on Patty, London is going to be a really important milestone for the next five years of his career."

AAP

Tags: basketball, sport, china

First posted December 05, 2011 15:39:04

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Portable Basketball Hoops - Facts You Have to Know Before You Buy

Flames bring down Boomers

Updated December 03, 2011 08:23:05

Belinda Snell scored a game-high 30 points to lead Sydney University past defending WNBL champion Bulleen 90-88 on Friday night.

But it was Katie-Rae Ebzery (16) who made the difference, draining a field goal with seven seconds on the clock to break an 88-88 deadlock for good at the Veneto Club in Bulleen.

Sydney Uni built a 15-point lead over the Boomers in the first quarter before letting its advantage slip to seven at half-time.

The Flames pushed their lead back out to 14 with a quarter to go but Bulleen came home with a wet sail, outscoring the visitors by 12 in the final period to bring it down to the wire.

In Friday evening's Queensland derby, the Fire got past Logan Thunder 69-60 in Townsville thanks to Shanavia Dowdell's 20-point, 13-rebound double-double.

Rachael Flanagan added 19 for the home side, which was outscored 37-30 in the second half but managed to survive thanks to a woeful four-point opening quarter by Logan.

Cayla Francis top-scored with 12 for the visitors and had 13 rebounds while Kristen Veal had 11.

Meanwhile, the Canberra Capitals beat the West Coast Waves 89-72 in the late game in Perth.

Brigitte Ardossi top scored with 19 points to help Canberra to its fourth win of the season, while Carly Wilson and Jess Bibby featured with 15 and 13 points respectively.

West Coast point guard Jasmine Hooper and centre Samantha Norwood shared the hosts' top score with 15 points.

Tags: wnbl, basketball, sport, bulleen-3105, vic, townsville-4810, logan-city-dc-4114, qld, the-university-of-sydney-2006, nsw, australia

First posted December 02, 2011 23:36:10

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