The Melbourne Tigers moved back into second place on the NBL ladder with a hard-fought 103-88 win over the New Zealand Breakers.

The final margin flattered the Tigers who were pushed all night by New Zealand.

Melbourne claimed its seventh consecutive win in a contest where the lead changed hands 11 times before the Tigers pulled away in the final quarter.

The battle of the big men was a highlight with Melbourne's Chris Anstey and New Zealand's Ben Pepper waging a personal battle in the paint.

Anstey finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds and Pepper 16 points and 17 rebounds in an intriguing match-up.

Anstey was well supported by Rashard Tucker, who finished with 23 points, and Dave Thomas, 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Brant Bailey led the Breakers' scoring with 18 points and new import Brian Green added 16.

Melbourne coach Al Westover was happy to get away with the win.

"It was always going to be a tough game," Westover said.

"I've got a lot of respect for New Zealand. They're physical and they play real hard."

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