The Breakers Australian national basketball league play off hopes have been dashed by bottom placed Cairns Taipans in a 106-98 overtime thriller in Cairns.
The Taipans trailed by as much as 12 points in the second quarter, but showed plenty of determination to fight back against the Breakers and claim victory.
Both teams had foul trouble, but New Zealand was the hardest hit.
Shea Ili was fouled out in the final term, while teammate Tai Wesley picked up his fifth in overtime.
Shawn Long Photo: Photosport
The Breakers who have an 8 win - 12 loss record now need a miracle to make the NBL playoffs.
Breakers coach Kevin Braswell was devastated post-match, having blown leads against Illawarra on Friday night and again in Cairns.
"I feel like for the most part, when you look at the score, we were doing a pretty good job," he said.
"But then teams make runs, the momentum swings and then we break. We have just got to be better."
The Breakers were led by Shawn Long and Wesley, who shared point scoring honours with 20 apiece.
There won't be much time for either side to contemplate the result with both the Taipans and Breakers have re-match on Thursday night rematch in New Plymouth.
-AAP