Hot streak continues: Benalla Breakers continued their strong CBL season at the weekend.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Benalla Breakers continued their brilliant start to the Country Basketball League campaign with another two wins at the weekend.
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A brave effort on Saturday was followed by a gritty win over Wangaratta on Sunday as the Breakers secured both wins from their round 11 fixture to remain in second spot on the North-East ladder.
Faced with a road-trip to Albury on Saturday night, the Breakers — on the back of a strong shooting night from Eric Miraflores — were made to work extremely hard to ultimately walk away with a gutsy five-point win.
Benalla began the match in style and led by nine points at the first break, but a quick lapse in concentration allowed for the Cougars to work their way back into the contest at the half.
With a slim two point at the the last break, Benalla’s youngsters, Jordy Munro and Kyle Termorshuizen, were able to stand up when the match was on the line with clutch shots.
Breakers coach Wally Armstrong said he was relieved his chargers were able to come away with the points from the 89-84 triumph.
“It was good to come away with a win ... when the chips were down the boys fought on until the end,” Armstrong said.
“Most of the game was tight; we started well but then dropped off which opened the door for them. Good teams don’t just roll over and let you off easy, they’re a quality team that bounced back.
“We got the win and that’s what counts.”
Armstrong praised the efforts of experienced heads Miraflores, Tom Downie (19 points and Sam Beks (13), but it was the performances from the Breaker’s youth which caught his eye the most.
“Kyle and Jordy both hit some big shots in the last minutes of the game. They showed their polish and they helped us get the win,” he said.
“It’s a great sign to see them do well.”
Standout: Kyle Termorshuizen performed strongly for Benalla Breakers at the weekend.
Photo by
Meg Saultry
In the Sunday fixture, the Breakers handed the Wangaratta Warriors a heavy 91-54 defeat.
Away from home, Benalla dominated the second term with a classy 23-5 quarter which put the result beyond doubt at half time.
Big man Downie led the way on the floor with an “exceptional” 20-point game, while Munro (14), Miraflores (12) and Jordan Birch (12) contributed strongly.
“We had to iron out a few things in the first quarter and then we dominated the second which put them under pressure,” Armstrong said.
“It was a real ugly workman-like effort. It was good to get the two wins the weekend but we still have room for improvement.”
With an eye to the upcoming weekend, Benalla has another double-header.
The action kicks off on Saturday night with a clash against third-ranked outfit Wallan Panthers and then Myrtleford Saints on Sunday.
Gun talent: Tom Downie helped the Benalla Breakers claim two wins at the weekend.
Armstrong revealed the Breakers are hoping to play one of the two games at the home court of their five Shepparton-based players.
The head coach said a decision would be made later this week.
“It’s only fair for our Shepp boys if we played over there and then hopefully we can get back to our home courts in the new year,” Armstrong said.
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