The euphoria of their first-test victory lasted little more than 24 hours before the New Zealand women's basketball team were brought back down to earth, dismissed 99-69 by Japan in their second meeting in Sendai.
Stung by their collapse the previous night, the host's never allowed the Tall Ferns into the game, jumping out to an early 7-1 lead and never surrendering the advantage.
Forward Lisa Wallbutton was again the leading individual performer with 19 points and five rebounds, while Toni Edmondson produced 11 points and eight rebounds.
The Tall Ferns have two days to regroup before the series decider in Yamagata on Tuesday.
