KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Breakers have slipped out of the Australian National Basketball League top eight due to a final-quarter blitz from Brisbane's heavyweights and an uncharacteristic off-night from Carlos Powell.
The Bullets maintained their lead atop the ladder with a 106-90 win before 3000 fans at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Saturday night.
The Breakers showed they were up for a contest and stayed in contention for the first three quarters as the Bullets went into the final period with a 72-69 lead, but a 34-21 run on the home stretch put the issue beyond doubt.
Coming after back-to-back wins at home, the loss was the Breakers' fourth from five matches on the road this year, a statistic coach Andrej Lemanis will want to rectify with eight of their next 10 matches away from home.
But the coach was far from unhappy with his side's showing against the league leaders.
"I don't think the final score was a true reflection. With five minutes to go it was a four-point ball game, a few things went their way and we missed some crucial shots," Lemanis said.
"I'm disappointed to lose but I'm proud of the boys. They played hard and really went after it.
"Our intensity and energy was right up there and if we continue that we can match up with anyone."
Powell had a rare quiet night for the Breakers with just 14 points, succeeding with four of 14 shots from the field as Australian international and Bullets standout Sam Mackinnon defended stoutly.
But fellow American import Brian Wethers took control, keeping the Breakers in the contest with a 31-point haul including five from seven three-pointers.
Mackinnon and fellow international CJ Bruton stepped up in the dying minutes to seal the result, Mackinnon leading the way with 23 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
Lemanis was concerned his side were forced into 24 turnovers by slick Brisbane defence and, despite having a clear height advantage, the Breakers conceded 16 offensive rebounds to the hosts.
"They managed to get us a little bit out of our comfort zone so that's something to work on. We've got a tough stretch coming up but if we can stay level with where we are now we'll be in good shape."
Bullets coach Joey Wright said the visitors had turned up with the physical game Brisbane had expected.
"They came here and fought hard. They're very tough and difficult to match up on," he said.
The Breakers return home to face top-five side the Cairns Taipans on Thursday.
- NZPA
