Best-of-three series tips off in Melbourne

The Breakers take on defending champions the Melbourne Tigers in the first of a best-of-three series in Melbourne tonight

25 February 2009
Breakers guard CJ Bruton believes the Melbourne Tigers' arrogance could be a potential downfall in tonight's Australian Basketball League semi-final.

The defending champion Tigers hosts the Breakers at the Cage tonight, in game one of a best-of-three series. Bruton says pressing the Tigers in to playing as individuals could be an effective strategy. He says any one player could try to take over the team, which could either help or hurt them.

The Melbourne Tigers meanwhile appear to have all bases covered on defence. Breakers forward Dillon Boucher says there will be no easy avenue for scoring against the defending champions. He says the Tigers' defence is going to be rushing them off the three-point line, but then they have a seven-footer in Chris Anstey, which makes life difficult if they want to go inside.

Melbourne Tigers coach Al Westover is dismissing claims his side is arrogant. He says his players have nothing but respect for the Breakers players. He says if they leave the Breakers open they will score quickly.

Tip off is at 9.30 New Zealand time.

Meanwhile, the Aussie NBL has released the nominees list for a number of end of season awards, with some key Breakers players featuring.

Dillon Boucher and Phill Jones are in the running for "best-sixth-man", as well as Tall Blacks and Gold Coast player Casey Frank. Boucher is also up for best defensive player, along with Paul Henare. Oscar Forman is in line for the most improved player, as is Tall Blacks and Wollongong player Lindsay Tait.

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