Breakers guard Sosa in doubt for Taipans

Friday, 19 January 2018: The New Zealand Breakers will make a late call on injured guard Edgar Sosa's fitness to face the Taipans in their NBL game in Cairns.

Edgar Sosa is in doubt for the New Zealand Breakers' NBL clash in Cairns although he will travel to the place where he showcased his match-winning temperament 10 weeks ago.

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Sosa was to fly with his teammates on Friday ahead of Saturday's clash with the Taipans, nursing an ankle injury picked up during the 98-81 home win over Melbourne United.

He limped off soon after halftime in Thursday's table-topping game, seemingly sparking a Melbourne revival before the Breakers found their second wind.

The result left the Breakers, Melbourne, and Perth all sharing a 13-7 record at the top of the NBL standings.

Coach Paul Henare is taking Cairns (9-13) seriously and will hope his electric American guard - who scored 14 first-quarter points against Melbourne - gets a late clearance to suit up

"Edgar laid a really good platform, he was really aggressive and assertive," Henare said after the game.

Sosa shot a match-winning three-point shot when the Breakers beat the Taipans 73-70 in Cairns in a fifth-round clash 10 weeks ago.

The Auckland-based club lead their season series 2-1 but Henare is expecting a furious performance from the home side.

He is demanding the same sort of intent which led to Melbourne's first loss in eight games.

"I could really see that focus and level of intensity in their eyes. I've seen that not enough this year, but it's a great time to come out," he said.

"But the Taipans are in desperation mode to keep their season alive."