The New Zealand Breakers hopes of pushing their way into the 2020 NBL playoff picture took a serious hit on Sunday with a 95-85 loss to the Brisbane Bullets.
It's now two losses on the bounce, after they went down earlier in the week to the third placed Cairns Taipans.
The defeat at home means the playoff equation, though still not impossible, becomes a lot tougher from here with just eight weeks remaining in the season.
Needing to virtually win out, the Breakers next two games are against Sydney and Melbourne United, who sit first and fourth on the competition ladder respectively.
Despite a hot start from the Breakers - import Scotty Hopson scoring the first three baskets of the game - the Bullets hung around and went into the sheds at halftime up 49-39.
AIt was the fewest points the Breakers have scored in a half at home this season, and proved too much to come back from.
Dan Shamir's men did show signs of life in the third quarter.
Three three-pointers from Tom Abercrombie got the local crowd into the game. And they were on their feet moments later after Sek Henry broke away to throw down a monster dunk.
Big man Mathew Hodgson took advantage of his size time and time again, as he finished with 10 points and was a defensive rock for the visitors.
Henry came into the game under an injury cloud, but overcame a troublesome calf to start the game for his side.
He was clearly not at 100 per cent, but still managed to finish with 17 points.
It was a rough night for star recruit RJ Hampton. Foul trouble and turnovers punctuated his evening, finishing with just four points off the bench.
The side are now 4-11 when Hampton plays.
