Basketball: Breakers blow 10-point lead as Sydney Kings end season on a high

DJ Newbill drives against Sydney's Jerome Randle. Photo: Getty Images

A fourth-quarter three-point shooting showcase from Jason Cadee sunk the New Zealand Breakers' hopes of a third-placed NBL finish in Sydney on Sunday night, leading the Sydney Kings to a 101-86 win.

The home side didn't lead in the match until the final period, when Cadee caught fire to hand the Kiwi side their fourth straight loss.

The Breakers, who led by as many as 10 points in the match, now go into a playoff series against the top-seeded Melbourne United having given up back-to-back double digit leads.

The Breakers went into the match with Shea Ili running the point, with Edgar Sosa available off the bench, but not used.

As the sides came out of the gates, it was tough going. Neither team seemed to be locked in and missed shot after shot. The fouls, however, were free flowing with the sides combining to commit 11 in the opening 10 minutes.

The Breakers got the better of a largely scratchy opening 10 minutes, in which both sides shot below 40 per cent from the field, to take a 17-14 lead.

It was a different game in the second quarter, with the Breakers getting a much-needed lift from an unexpected source.

Back-up swingman Jordan Ngatai put the team on his shoulder in the quarter, scoring nine points - a new career high - in quick succession. He finished with 17 for the night.

Import big man Rakeem Christmas added a few important baskets in the paint as well late in the second period, and the Breakers held a 48-42 lead at half time.

The Kings weren't without their weapons, as Jason Cadee and Todd Blanchfield looked to launch from beyond the arc at every opportunity.

The Kings brought the game back in the third period, outscoring the Breakers 26-20 and were handed the momentum late in the piece when Ngatai committed a foul in trying to get an offensive rebound with less than a second on the clock. The foul sent Blanchfield to the line for two free throws, which he drained.

Then, with the first shot of the fourth quarter, Cadee gave the Kings a three-point lead, which he extended to a six-point lead on the following possession.

With a limited bench, the Breakers began to tire and the Kings took advantage, building their way to a 14-point lead with time to play in the final period.

Cadee finished with 30 points, as Sydney ended their season on a high.

The Breakers will now take on Melbourne United in the playoffs, which begin on March 3, while the Adelaide 36ers will take on the Perth Wildcats in the other series.

Sydney Kings 101 (Cadee 30, Blanchfield 19)
NZ Breakers 86 (Ngatai 17, Christmas 13)
HT: 42-48