After five straight wins, Breakers Men’s team knew this past weekend was one that was going to test them.
With a home game against Loughborough Riders on Saturday followed by a trip to Birmingham to take on the COB Rockets was a major challenge for Coach Ben Stanley and his players.
Having lost at Loughborough back in November, Breakers fans played their part and made sure the atmosphere at Bletchley Leisure Centre made the visitors uncomfortable even before the game tipped off.
When action got underway, the advantage swung back and forth. Breakers held a narrow lead after the first quarter, but trailed by seven when the buzzer sounded at half-time. The second half saw the home side fight back into the game, Jordan Spencer dropping back to back threes to finally recapture the lead.
Breakers never looked back, eventually running out 92-70 winners with Spencer taking home Player of the Game honours following a 28-point, seven rebound, six assist display.
The following night was much tougher however, Rockets taking Breakers into overtime before eventually winning the game at Nechells Wellbeing Centre 83-80 despite a superb team performance.
Xavier Wilson was a key figure, weighing in with 20 points and 17 rebounds, with Ben Baker adding 13 points and 14 rebounds in a valiant showing that only just fell short of what would’ve been a memorable win.
“We definitely grew as a group this weekend,” Coach Ben Stanley said afterwards. “These double-headers are always tough and we’ve delivered two performances that we can build upon.
“Obviously there are still things to work on and improve, but to come here and hold a good Rockets team to just 15 fast break points is testament to our effort defensively and in the rebounding battle.
“Now we’ll take time to reflect on both games and seek those marginal gains that can make the difference in tight games before we head to Bristol next weekend.”
That game against Bristol Flyers II is followed by a home game against Hemel Storm on Saturday, January 31, with tickets available here.
