A weary NZ Breakers have been handed their first loss of the season, going down 84-73 to the Bullets in Brisbane.
The Breakers showed flashes of brilliance and created plenty of chances but were unable to get their shots to drop down the stretch as it appeared tiredness from their trip to the United States took over.
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Co-captain Parker Jackson-Cartwright put in another impressive performance with 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists, keeping his side within striking distance throughout the entire match.
Sam Mennenga had a productive night, contributing 15 points shooting 7-of-13 from the field and battling hard on defence with five rebounds.
The game remained tight going into the fourth quarter, with Brisbane pulling away in the final minutes led by James Batemon who finished with a game-high 21 points.
Three other players made it to double figures for the Bullets, Josh Bannan with 15, Casey Prather, 13 and New Zealander Tyrell Harrison also 13.
Head coach Petteri Koponen said his side were disappointed with the result but know the areas they need to improve.
“We had our chances to win this game. We created quality looks and the effort was there,” he said.
“Sometimes it felt we were just a step too slow to react but it’s basketball and sometimes that happens. Full credit to Brisbane they were better today and deserved to win.
“We play again on Saturday against a very good team Perth. These guys all want to compete and get ready for the next game – I know playing in front of our home fans will give us a lot of energy so we look forward to that.”
The Breakers are back in action this Saturday night on their home court at Spark Arena in Auckland against Perth Wildcats.
Brisbane Bullets 84 (James Batemon 21, Josh Bannan 15, Casey Prather, 13 Tyrell Harrison 13), NZ Breakers 73 (Parker Jackson-Cartwright 20, Sam Mennenga 15, Matt Mooney 13, Mojave King 11)