Mark Worthington put any worries of health issues aside to lead the Melbourne Tigers to an upset of the visiting New Zealand Breakers in Wednesday nights NBL action.
Worthington tossed in 17 points and snared 9 rebounds as the won the match by a score of 86-81. The match was a game of streaks as the Breakers broke out to an early advantage and led 29-22 at quarter time before a Tiger fight back that closed the gap to a single point by half time.
Melbourne took its first lead of the game early in the second half and held a three point edge at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth stanza, Melbourne stretched the lead to five before The Breakers made a run of their own to lead by one. Later, around half way through the final quarter with the scores knotted at 70 points apiece, Melbourne put together a seven point run to gain control of the match and held on for the final buzzer.
In support of Worthington, Luke Kendall provided 14 points, Nathan Crosswell andDaryl Corletto had 13 points each, Sam Mackinnon had 10 points and Ben Knight snared 9 rebounds.
Tony Ronaldson paced the Breakers with 21 points while Kirk Penney added 16 points and 6 rebounds. Additional support came from Rick Rickert with 12 points and 10 points/9rebounds from Awvee Storey. Reigning Player of the week C.J. Bruton was held to 8 points but did grab 5 boards.
The teams meet again in New Zealand a week from tonight, it should be another classic.
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