The New Zealand Breakers repelled an Adelaide fightback to win 99-90 in Auckland last night and consolidate their position at the top of the NBL ladder.
After making a scorching start, the Breakers had to survive some nervy moments late in the match as the 36ers made big in-roads into what had been a 26-point deficit.
A Chris Warren three-pointer and Diamon Simpson two took Adelaide to within six points with four minutes to go.
But two big threes by Gary Wilkinson helped to steady the ship and get the Breakers home.
Wilkinson ended up leading all scorers with 29 points, and also pulled in a game-high nine rebounds.
Thomas Abercrombie contributed 17 points for the Breakers, while new American point guard Cedric Jackson had 16 points, 10 assists and two steals.
Simpson top-scored for the 36ers with 20 points and also grabbed nine rebounds, while Warren got 17 points.
The result improves the Breakers' win-loss record to 5-1, while the 36ers are now 1-4.
Adelaide came into the match buoyed by their upset victory over highly-fancied Perth.
But they struggled to counter the Breakers' early intensity as the home side hit the court running, with Jackson dominating the show.
He put the style on early, completing an alley-oop from a Mika Vukona assist.
Jackson was ably supported by his team-mates, who did a great job on the 49ers offensively and defensively in the opening half.
By quarter time, the Breakers were up 30-18, with Adelaide's tally boosted by a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Nathan Herbert.
Jackson showed his versatility early in the second quarter with a great pass that Alex Pledger finished with a dunk.
Down 63-41, the 36ers came out after the long break with more aggression, and they were also able to slow down Adelaide's offence.
They clawed their way back into the contest, but the Breakers were able to resist the fightback and hold on for victory.
The Breakers began their return to their traditional home of the North Shore Events Centre by raising their championship banner.
They also retired N. 32, worn by former point guard Paul Henare, a foundation player who appeared in every one of the club's eight previous seasons.
