NZ Breakers have lost their NBL season-opener in an overtime thriller to Melbourne United, despite the best efforts of their star American imports.
Forward Derek Pardon (23) and guard Barry Brown Jr (23) combined for 66 points, but their efforts fell just short, as the hosts claimed a 101-97 victory at John Cain Arena.
Brown, who also had five assists and four rebounds, slashed to the basket to level the scores with just nine seconds left to force overtime.
But star Melbourne guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes sealed the win, with a game-high 33 points, well-supported by veteran Chris Goulding's 24 points.
In a seesaw affair, the Breakers outscored their opponents in the first and third quarters, but Melbourne came away with the spoils in overtime.
The Breakers will now return home to Spark Arena to play Tasmania JackJumpers on Friday.
Melbourne United 101 (Rathan-Mayes 33, Goulding 24) NZ Breakers 97 (Pardon 23, Brown 23)
