Led by 18 points from import Perrin Buford and a stoic team defensive performance the Brisbane Bullets defeated the New Zealand Breakers 81 to 76.
The Bullets held the Breakers to just 13 points in the first quarter and to just 76 for the match in recording their fourth win of the season.
Buford was a constant threat in attack for Brisbane and finished with 10 rebounds, 3 steals and a block to go with his team high 18 points.
Buford got plenty of support from fellow import Travis Trice with 17, 10 of which came from the free throw line.
Reuben Te Rangi played one of his better games in a Brisbane uniform off the bench, finishing with 11 points including a trio of three pointers, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
Breakers imports Edgar Sosa and DJ Newbill kept the New Zealand in the contest with 18 and 21 points respectively while upcoming Kiwi guard Shea Ili was their best of the bench with 11.
Brisbane coach Andrew Lemanis said it was an important win for the team and one he felt they deserved after losing by just a point to Adelaide on Friday night in Adelaide.
“I thought over the last couple of games ... our spirit and the way that we've played the game has been good," he said.
"Certainly, we're heading in the right direction and if we keep playing like that, things will start turning our way."
Lemanis was full of praise for the dominant performance of Buford on both sides of the ball.
“When he’s into it, and he’s into the defence and he’s going and he’s swiping boards for us, that really helps, and offensively he’s always going to find his way,” he said.
“He can get to the rim anytime he wants really.”
Te Rangi said he was pleased to play well against many of his New Zealand Tall Blacks teammates
“It is always good playing against them, I thought the boys came out and we had a little edge about us coming off that Adelaide loss, always good to get a win and high spirits,” he said.
