New recruit Glen Rice Jr's sensational debut couldn't prevent the New Zealand Breakers from falling to a fifth loss in seven games.
The ANBL club have lost to Melbourne United 104-101, thanks to a shocking third quarter display that saw the visitors turn a two-point deficit into a 17-point lead.
Veteran guard Chris Goulding was outstanding for Melbourne, dropping 16 second-half points in a 10-minute offensive blitz.
That third-quarter dominance pushed the Breakers out of the contest, as they were unable to attack the basket and had to rely on jump shots that wouldn't fall.
Outside of Goulding, centre Shawn Long was impressive for Melbourne, with 22 points and eight rebounds. Fellow import Melo Trimble added 16 points, as United improved to 4-4 for the season.
The Breakers have struggled with recent injuries, but may have uncovered a diamond in Rice, who only arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday.
The American was signed as injury cover for guard Scotty Hopson (knee) and scored a game-high 26 points.
But while Rice was hot on the offensive end, he found struck foul trouble during the third quarter and briefly had to take a seat as Melbourne took over.
The Breakers managed to cut the deficit in the fourth quarter, as guard Corey Webster scored 20 points, while captain Tom Abercrombie and guard RJ Hampton both added 16.
Eventually, Rice fouled out with only a few minutes left, as the Breakers fell to 2-5 for the season, while Melbourne celebrated their third win on the bounce.
Join us at 7:30pm Saturday for live updates of the NZ Breakers v South East Melbourne Phoenix.
AAP/Newshub.
