By Huw Beynon
The top of the table Breakers hosted the third place Townsville Crocs tonight, with both teams looking to cement spots in the ever nearing Aussie NBL playoffs.
After some low key performances of late Cedric Jackson promised to turn up the heat against the Crocs and he did just that.
The reigning champs and their import guard could not put a foot wrong in the first quarter and it was not just Jackson that was firing as the home side jumped to a commanding 14-point lead at quarter time.
The Crocs found their range in the second quarter though as the fluid Breakers offence from the first disappeared, causing alarm on the bench.
Moments of brilliance were few and far between and Townsville found their way back into the game, cutting the deficit to seven at half time - and to just four early in the third quarter.
Veteran Dillon Boucher proved his worth to the team with some pin point passing but the Crocodiles refused to roll over and were still in the game with a quarter to play.
Jackson reasserted his influence in the fourth but the Crocs were showing the tenacity they will need to make the finals.
A precarious two point lead, two and a half minutes on the clock and up stepped Tom Abercrombie to seal the game with a three pointer.
The 81-70 win was a crucial victory for the ladder leading Breakers who go on the road to take on fierce rivals Perth next week.
Sports Tonight