The Santa Barbara Breakers moved their WCBL Winter record to 4-0 with a 88-85 nailbiter over the Venice Beach Warriors.
The Breakers held a 54-45 lead at halftime but like any professional game with a 23 second shot clock and a raucous crowd roaming the sidelines, no lead is safe. Being outscored 40-34 in the second half, the Breakers offense went quiet and saw the game tied up 85 all, until 6’9 forward Isaac Jones scored 3 free throws in the final 20 seconds.
A last ditch desperate shot by AJ Wiggins from 3 point line appeared to be short but on the follow through, point guard Will Funn was whistled for brushing the arm of Wiggins. Wiggins assisted in the decision with the classical “Reggie Miller legs kicked out from underneath” animation. This was followed up with the parade of free throws for Wiggins but luckily for the Breakers, Wiggins
gulped, gasped and clanged the rim on all 3 shots, aka Dwight Howard impersonation, and the boys of Santa Barbara snuck out with the victory.
All-time leading scorer Tim Taylor provided the monster performance for the Breakers with 42 points on 10-15 3 point shooting and 14-22 for all field goals made and attempted. He was supported by Jones 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Next up for the first place Breakers is a battle with also undefeated Santa Monica Jump (4-0). The two teams met for the 2012 WCBL Spring Championship, in which the Breakers came away victors 117-109. Gametime on Saturday is 12:30 pm at the Oakwood Center in Venice, California.
