The Santa Barbara Breakers picked up a WCBL road win at Westchester Gymnasium in Marina Del Rey with a 113-96 victory over the Long Beach Lights.
The Lights controlled the tempo early on, taking a 16-6 lead with lightning quick drives to the bucket and 3 treys in a row. Coach Curt Pickering turned to a 1-2-2 trapping half court defense to stymie penetration. The Breakers had a season high 24 assists, displaying this late in the 1st quarter, leading the team to edge out a 23-22 lead at the break.
In the second quarter, the Breakers turned to 3 pointers to build a commanding 14 point lead. Mark Peters and newly acquired Bryce Sheldon (So. Carolina U.) hit two treys while Tim Taylor, Chad Ferguson and UCSB star James Powell buried one each. The Breakers led at halftime 54-40.
In the second half, the Breakers defense and strong rebounding (45-29) continued to stabilize a double digit lead with balanced scoring serving as a great menace to the Lights comeback hopes. The Breakers maintained the 14 point lead, 77-63, going into the final frame and the scoring barrage increased in the 4th quarter as fastbreak opportunities led to more open three attempts and makes. With a 36-33 scoring advantage, the Breakers recorded their first WCBL victory on the road with 6 players hitting double figures in the scoring column.
James Powell set a personal high at the professional level with 23 points. He was matched by Mark Peters Michael Jordan-esque 23 but nipping at their heels with 22 points was Bryce Sheldon and Tim Taylor.
The Breakers now concentrate on their home opener, Saturday, May 1st, at SB City College Sports Pavilion. The opponent will be the Marina Del Rey Advantage, who sport a 1-1 record in WCBL play. Game time is 7:15 p.m.
Tickets are available at the door or call 969-7542. You can also login to breakersbasketball.com
