Despite a fine performance from Aaron Olson, the New Zealand Breakers found the visiting Townsville Crocodiles too strong as they went down 109-108 in their NBL match in Auckland on Wednesday night.

It was sweet revenge for the Crocs who lost their round nine encounter 117-108 to the Breakers.

But since then the Crocodiles have charged up the ladder with Wednesday's win their eighth on end.

Olson was in outstanding form for the Breakers. Not only did he finish as their top points scorer with 40 points but he was relentless in defence.

Fittingly Olson, Tall Black Paul Henare and import Mike Chappell are the only Breakers so far with contracts for the 2005/06 season.

Sitting last in the Australian National Basketball League, the Breakers board has made it clear to the players they have to earn a place in next year's team.

While the performance against the Crocodiles wouldn't have sent the club's bosses rushing into their offices to draw up contracts, the efforts of youngster Lindsay Tait, Ben Pepper and Ben Thompson warranted attention.

The Crocs led 66-63 at halftime but failed to break away from the home team who then rallied strongly in the third quarter through Thompson, Tait, Henare and Pero Cameron to take a 90-86 lead.

The lead changed several times but the Crocodiles were not to be denied in a nail-biting finish, leaving home fans with a losing end to the season.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP