The NZ Breakers' embattled Australian NBL season has continued with a 84-65 loss to Sydney Kings Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday.
Just days after their hearterning win over Illawarra Hawks on Wednesday, the Breakers slumped to their ninth loss in 12 games to essentially end any hope of a playoffs berth.
The Kiwi side recovered from a sluggish opening half to close the Kings' lead to as little as seven points down the stretch.
But the Sydneysiders never genuinely looked threatened, as they eased clear to record their sixth win of the season.
Centre Yanni Wetzell was the Breakers' best with 16 points and five rebounds, getting it done at the defensive end with two steals and a pair of blocks.
NBA draft prospect Osumane Dieng added 14 points, showing improvement from three-point range by sinking four of his eight attempts from beyond the arc.
"Disappointed is an under-statement," said Breakers coach Dan Shamir after the game.
"A few days ago we played extremely hard, had a lot of great possessions with effort, on defence and getting in passing lanes and making opponents feel us.
"We didn't do that at the beginning of this game, gave up 50 points [in the first half] and struggled defensively the whole game and with our shot-making."
The Breakers will move on to face the Taipans in Cairns next Monday.
