Breakers undone by unstoppable Homicide 

Source: PhotosportTownsville Crocs' Corey Williams

Townsville's Corey 'Homicide' Williams ignited a second half bite-back as the Crocodiles defeated the Breakers 87-80 at the North Shore Events Centre.

After being held to just three points in the first half, Williams scored 10 crucial points in the third quarter to give his side the lead and all the momentum late in the game.

Williams ended his successful night with 19 points, six steals and five assists. Peter Crawford also had 19 points for the Crocs.

The Breakers had been in front by one point at halftime but were helpless to stop several Townsville surges in the third and fourth quarters.

Thursday night's loss sinks the Breakers' win-loss record back below 50 percent with eight wins and nine losses.

Kirk Penney was the best of the Breakers in a losing effort, scoring a game-high 24 points with six rebounds while Rick Rickert just missed out on a double-double with 21 points and nine rebounds.

Townsville made the better opening burst with a 10-2 run thanks to back-to-back Peter Crawford three-pointers.

But the Breakers quickly responded and began to warm into the game - a Penney triple drawing the scores level midway through the first quarter.

Some weak calls from the officials saw the action jilted with fouls flowing freely. Thomas Abercrombie had himself in real trouble with three personal fouls in the first eight minutes.

Paul Henare landed a lay-up with the shot clock expiring to ensure shared honours at the first split with a 24-24 deadlock.

Bad passes and missed shots clouded the Breakers in the early stages of the second period as the Crocs built themselves the smallest of cushions.

But the lead was short-lived with New Zealand lifting the intensity and regaining the lead while frustration set in for the opposition.

Rickert sunk a free throw right on halftime to give the Breakers a one-point advantage going into the locker rooms (42-41).

Penney led all scorers in the first half with a well-earned 17 points.

The physical tussle continued in the second half with both sides taking hefty contact in the paint and pouring on the defensive pressure.

New Zealand led for most of the quarter but faded badly near the end to allow Townsville to take a big advantage going into the final period up 61-55.

It was always going to be an entertaining finish and the first few minutes of the quarter proved that with both sides playing exceptional basketball.

With six minutes remaining the Crocs had increased their lead to eight points thanks to some good work from their inside men.

Bruton helped the hosts' cause when he drew a foul then sensationally stroked back-to-back threes to bring the game back within two points.

But yet another surge from Townsville put the game out of reach for the Breakers to sink the club's win-loss ratio back below 50 percent.

The Breakers (8-9) go on to play the Melbourne Tigers away on Saturday night.

Crocodiles 87: (Williams 19, Crawford 19, Hoare 16, Roberts 16)

Breakers 80: (Penney 24, Rickert 21, Bruton 15)

Halftime: Breakers 42-41