Defending champions Perth Wildcats have overcome a difficult travel assignment to beat the NZ Breakers 84-79 in their NBL clash in Invercargill.
After travelling from Western Australia, via Brisbane, to the bottom of New Zealand's South Island, they had to erase a six-point halftime deficit to get the job done.
The Wildcats struggled with their shooting in the first half, in part due to some committed defence from the Breakers.
But a 31-21 third stanza for the Wildcats, sparked by an offensive explosion from import guard Terrico White (18 points), put them on the path to victory.
The lead changed hands during the final quarter, before White hit a clutch three-pointer to put his side ahead with 17 seconds left and they managed to hold on.
White had strong support from fellow import Dario Hunt, who bagged 21 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.
Perth won the battle of the boards, particularly on the offensive end, while the Breakers struggled with a lack of size.
The Breakers were without guard Scotty Hopson, after he suffered a leg injury during their win over the Cairns Taipans on Thursday night.
Import Brandon Ashley, who has struggled with foul trouble recently, delivered his best performance in a Breakers uniform, with 21 points. Guard Corey Webster also had 21 points in the losing effort.
The victory moved Perth to 6-2, while the Breakers fell to 2-4 as their tough start to the season continued.
Join us at 7:30pm Thursday for live updates of the NZ Breakers v Melbourne United ANBL clash
AAP
