KEY POINTS:
Star forward Carlos Powell sank a game-high 43 points but was powerless to stop the Singapore Slingers from cruising to a 111-94 National Basketball Association (NBL) win over the New Zealand Breakers in Singapore last night.
The Slingers got a flying start, and a 33-16 lead at the end of the first quarter proved to be decisive.
A travel weary Breakers fought back to win the next quarter 30-29, lost the third 26-27 and shared the fourth, 22-22.
The only other Breakers to reach double figures were skipper Paul Henare and Aaron Olson who contributed 16 and 15 points respectively.
The Slingers had four players in doubles figures, led by Marquin Chandler with 34 points. Mike Helms had 23, followed by Ben Melmeth (17) and Larry Davidson (16).
This was the first match to feature two non-Australian teams in the NBL.
The Breakers, who also lost their last match, 80-102 to the Perth Wildcats on the way to Singapore, now head back to Melbourne a weekend double header against the Dragons and competition leaders the Tigers.
- NZPA
