Breakers blow double-digit lead in defeat to South East Melbourne Phoenix

Sam Mennenga scored a game-high 29 points, but it wasn't enough to secure victory. Photo / Photosport

The New Zealand Breakers have slumped to their fifth loss of the NBL season, after another second-half collapse saw them go down 87-81 to the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Auckland.

The Breakers led 46-34 at halftime and held a narrow three-point lead heading into the final quarter, but they couldn’t close out the match.

Coming off their first win of the season on Wednesday, confidence was high for the Breakers as they chased back-to-back wins for the first time since round seven last season.

The Phoenix established early control, taking a 21-15 lead after the first quarter; however the Breakers roared back in the second period, outscoring the visitors 31-13 to take a commanding 46-34 halftime advantage.

The Phoenix came out flying to start the third quarter with a 16-2 run, but the Breakers battled back to lead again heading into the final quarter.

But not for the first time this season, they failed to close out the match, with the Phoenix claiming an assist on 26 of their 33 field goals.

Too often the Breakers were their own worst enemies, committing 21 turnovers and failing to close out the match, which was locked at 80-all heading into the final two minutes.

Centre Sam Mennenga scored a game-high 29 points, with 11 rebounds, but he had no other real help on the offensive end, with Rob Baker II the only other Breakers player to score in double digits with 14.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright struggled to provide real impact with 3-11 shooting, but did provide seven rebounds, nine assists, and three steals.

For the Phoenix, Owen Foxwell scored a team-high 19 points, with seven assists, while experienced guard Nathan Sobey contributed 18.

The loss leaves the Breakers rooted to the bottom of the standings with one win in their opening six matches.

They are back in action on Friday when they host the Tasmania Jack Jumpers, in what is already a must-win clash.