Basketball: Breakers lose 11th in a row

Brian Green scored the first nine points of the game.

Bullets 117 Breakers 107

From leading at the first two quarters, the Breakers managed to lose to the Brisbane Bullets in Manukau yesterday and continue their horror run of 11 consecutive ANBL defeats.

The third quarter proved to be the problem for the Breakers, who were outscored 31-21 by the Bullets as the visitors upped the tempo.

The fourth quarter wasn't much better and had the Bullets showing the arrogance of a side who knew they were going to win.

The game had started well for the Breakers with Brian Green scoring the first nine points of the match. He eventually scored 17.

Brant Bailey was out with a back injury but Rich Melzer was back, although not in great scoring form.

The Breakers led 30-23 at the end of the first quarter and went out to a 15- point lead in the second. They went to the halftime break 59-52 ahead, but from there it was all downhill.

"We talked prior to the game about being physical defensively," said coach Andrej Lemanis.

"We did a good job of that in the first half. But in the second half we weren't as aggressive off the ball and were giving up the steals. They got themselves back in and their confidence back."

Aaron Olson was in typical scoring form, finishing with a game-high 25 including five successful three-point shots. But Olson left the court late in the game with what appeared to be an injured left ankle and knee.

"Aaron couldn't walk in the changing room after the game so who knows what the story is there," said Lemanis.

"I was pleased with the way Rich Melzer played but his game fitness is down a bit. I think he tired."

Overall there were too many basic errors and a lack of offensive and defensive teamwork by the Breakers against a side who have a wealth of experience.

For the Bullets, three players scored in the 20s: Michael Hill with 24, Sam Mackinnon 23 (14 rebounds) and Bobby Brannen 21.

The match was the first time the Breakers have scored over 100 points against the Bullets, although they have never won against the Brisbane-based side in New Zealand in the five times they have played.

The Breakers' next home game is against the Hawks at Waitakere next Sunday.