The New Zealand Breakers have been beaten 90-71 by the 36ers in their opening game of the new Australian National Basketball League season in Adelaide.
Photo: Photosport
The 36ers led throughout the game and took control in the second quarter when they outscored the defending champions 32-9.
Charles Jackson came off the bench to top-score for the Breakers with 15 points, while Cedric Jackson made 14 and Everard Bartlett 10.
The Breakers' first-half tally was the second-lowest in the club's history, while Adelaide's 25-point buffer also the Auckland club's second-worst interval deficit.
Breakers head coach Dean Vickerman was disappointed in the team's first NBL game since winning the 2015 championship in April.
"We got dominated for a quarter, especially on the boards. They smashed us," said Vickerman.
"At the same time, Adelaide import Ebi Ere was able to get going and make some tough shots during that period as well. They were attacking, they were getting to the free-throw line and that was the game."
The Breakers were also up against reliable captain Adam Gibson with 11 points, eight assists and six boards while Sixers centre Daniel Johnson made a difference with 15 points and eight rebounds.
Vickerman said despite being down their "big three," with Abercrombie and Pledger out due to injury and the sharp shooting Corey Webster in New Orleans, the result didn't reflect the talent on the floor.
"We have no excuses," he said.
"This is a team we brought here and we believed that we're good enough. If everybody played to their abilities to win, they could be back on Sunday. They may not be. But this group can be better and this group can win basketball games."
Next, Adelaide will welcome the Perth Wildcats on Saturday night, before the Breakers head home to host the Townsville Crocodiles on Sunday.
