ANBL: Breakers suffer last-minute defeat against Adelaide

Jerome Randle.
Jerome Randle. Photo credit: Image: Getty

Guard Jerome Randle drained a three-pointer in the dying moments to hand Adelaide a 99-96 win over NZ Breakers and cap a triumphant 48 hours in the NBL for the visitors.

Ruthless Randle made his match-winning play with 2.3 seconds on the clock to secure a breathless victory in Auckland, just two days after his team's equally-dramatic 113-111 home win over South East Melbourne.

Fatigue appeared to be catching up with the 36ers as they squandered a 20-point advantage midway through the second quarter to find themselves trailing at times during the final period.

But they ensured the ball was in the hands of American matchwinner Randle for the final play and he was lethal from the top of the arc to finish with a game-high 29 points.

Scotty Hopson's attempt to tie the score was wayward, delivering the Breakers' finals hopes another blow, as their record slumped to 4-10.

Adelaide improved to 8-7 to remain fourth and delivered a statement about their fortitude, given the tight travel schedule handed to them.

They piled on 35 points in the first quarter - the most by any team this season - and were 60-50 up at halftime, before the scoring wobbles set in.

Daniel Johnson finished with 26 points, but only seven of them came in the second half. The Australian forward also bagged six rebounds and two assists.

Breakers skipper Tom Abercrombie was a clear standout, finishing with 22 points, nine rebounds and three steals.

Sek Henry came alive after the main break, when he scored 18 of his 20 points, including a lay-up to level the scores with 23 seconds remaining.

Injury hit the Kiwi club again, with star shooting guard Corey Webster ruled out with back spasms, joining US teenage guard RJ Hampton (hip) on the sideline.

The loss ended a three-game home winning run for the Breakers, who earlier in the week had coach Dan Shamir sign a two-season contract extension.