IN AN important win for their top-six chances, the Brisbane Bullets defeated the New Zealand Breakers by nine points in the final round of Round 15 of the National Basketball League (NBL).

The clash took place at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Wednesday night, with the two teams sitting outside of the play-in tournament as it stood. The Bullets had put together some impressive wins in the past month, but were still catching up from their slow start. On the other hand, the Breakers were sliding down the ladder rapidly, and needed a win to get back in the race for a postseason appearance.

In the end, with both sides missing key players, the Bullets did enough to get the job done and move just one win out of the top six heading into Round 16, while the equation becomes much more difficult for New Zealand.

Brisbane Bullets (83) def. New Zealand Breakers (74)

It was a scrappy start to the match for both sides, with the loss of key offensive players proving costly with neither team able to truly take control of the game. The Bullets were finding the most success scoring the ball, but the Breakers actually led by two points at the first change thanks to going 7/12 at the free throw line.

The Bullets got on top in the second quarter thanks to 11 points from Casey Prather, who was beginning to become a key figure in the match. Foul trouble became a problem for the Breakers, with the visitors losing availability in the frontcourt as a result of this. Next Star Karim Lopez did score six points to close out the half, but Brisbane still led by three points at the main break.

Brisbane’s lead grew further as it continued to be a scrappy affair, and the Breakers’ big men continued to be limited by foul trouble, allowing the Bullets to drive and finish at the cup. The Bullets led by eight points at three quarter time, maintaining a crucial advantage in a low scoring encounter.

Both sides were more productive in the fourth term, but whenever the Breakers tried to go on a run, the home side seemingly had an answer. Brisbane ended up holding on for a crucial victory to claim its 10th win of the season as it looks to continue its charge into the top six.

Prather was undoubtedly the star of the show for the victors, stepping up in the absence of some key offensive contributors. The import stuffed the stat sheet with 31 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks to overcome a poor shooting night from behind the arc (1/11 3PT) and become the most impactful player on the floor.

For the Breakers, Matt Mooney was limited by foul trouble but did manage to make the most of his 22 minutes and post 21 points, and will be left to rue a lack of opportunity to keep his side in the match.