Izaiah Brockington topscored for the Breakers. Photo: LUKAS COCH/PHOTOSPORT
NZ Breakers have lost to ANBL competition leaders Melbourne United 104-88 in Melbourne.
The Breakers have now lost six from eight matches, although their two victories - over Illawarra Hawks and Tasmania JackJumpers - have come in the last 11 days.
They were simply outclassed by Melbourne, but showed some threatening signs late in the match, before a United surge took them well clear.
The Breakers have fallen twice to the Melbourne side this season, losing 114-82 in the first round.
American Izaiah Brockington topped the scoring for the Breakers with 25 points, while guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright landed 20 points and forward Sam Mennenga 16.
Melbourne United are unbeaten after seven matches this season and, after leading 28-17 after the first quarter, they left the Breakers bamboozled by a 17-2 run in the second quarter for a 56-38 halftime buffer.
The Breakers struck back in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to just nine points, before United took control again.
Melbourne's big impetus, particularly in the first half, came from shooter Chris Goulding, who topscored for his side with 23 points, including six-from-eight from long range.
The Breakers' next outing is against Brisbane Bullets in Auckland on Thursday.
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