KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Breakers were last night beaten 84-85 by newcomers the Gold Coast Blaze in the fourth match of their pre-season Australian basketball tour.
The Breakers led 51-39 at halftime, but lost their attacking spark in the third quarter as the Blaze went on a 22-10 run.
Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis said his team's defensive effort was again top drawer, but the team needed to work on ball security and structure on attack.
The Breakers have one more game, against the champion Brisbane Bullets tomorrow night before returning home on Wednesday.
Their opening Australian National Basketball League match of the season is against the Cairns Taipans at the North Shore Events Centre on September 20.
The Breakers beat South Dragons 110-109 and 94-88 and lost 86-96 to the Sydney Kings in their previous pre-season tour games.
Result
Gold Coast Blaze 85 NZ Breakers 84 (Tony Ronaldson 17, Oscar Forman 17, Paul Henare 12). Halftime: 39-51.
- NZPA
