The Breakers fell to a 12-point loss to South East Melbourne Phoenix in their NBL clash in Melbourne, bringing an end to the New Zealand club's three-game winning streak.
The 92-80 defeat keeps the Breakers outside the top six with a 7-11 record.
Guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright led the visitors with 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Nathan Sobey scored 36 points for South East Melbourne to help the hosts remain third in the standings.
"This is a big one for us," Sobey said.
"Wednesday night (home loss to Tasmania), I don't think we were us.
"For us to come out and really have that energy on the defensive end to get us out and play good offence, it was great to bounce back."
It was the second game this week for the Phoenix following a loss to the Tasmania JackJumpers on Wednesday. The Breakers arrived confident, having won three straight games.
"We didn't have enough poise or patience," NZ coach Petteri Koponen said.
"Sobey obviously had a great game and is playing unbelievable basketball - he won them the game.
"Everybody else we kind of controlled, but we let Sobey get hot from the beginning."
The Breakers did lead late in the second quarter but they were trailing again 44-41 by halftime.
The Phoenix extended their lead to 71-62 heading into the final quarter before pulling away to eventually win 92-80.
The Phoenix next play the Perth Wildcats on Thursday night with the Breakers remaining on the road against the Cairns Taipans on Friday.
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