Breakers sink NBL records in routing Hawks

Illawarra have signed off on a forgettable NBL campaign with an embarrassing and record-breaking 130-96 loss to the New Zealand Breakers in Wellington.

In a meaningless encounter on Thursday between two teams out of playoffs contention, the Breakers turned on an offensive razzle dazzle that the Hawks didn't seem interested in halting in a dispirited display.

Shawn Long.Credit:AAP

The hosts racked up the highest score in the 10-year history of 40-minute games in the NBL.

They were the first team to reach 100 points through the first three quarters, prompting followers on social media to label the contest a Valentine's Day massacre.

With the margin swelling to 30 points soon after half-time, the contest descended into a procession, with both coaches fielding their bench for most of the remainder and ignoring the need for a timeout.

It was a painful experience for Hawks mentor Rob Beveridge, who looked haunted as his team saw out their 2018-19 campaign in miserable fashion.

The loss leaves them with a final 12-16 record, dropping them to seventh behind the Breakers (12-15), who finish away to Brisbane on Saturday.

The hosts sank 18 three-pointers, with five to Jarrad Weeks and four to fellow guard Corey Webster as the pair accumulated 19 and 18 points respectively.

Both were eclipsed by centre Shawn Long who was colossal in the first half on the way to 21 points and eight rebounds before sitting out most of the last 20 minutes.

Guard Daniel Grida, who normally gets limited minutes for the Hawks, top-scored with 17 points, landing four-of-six from outside the arc.

AAP

Source: Read Full Article