The Melbourne Tigers have ended the defending champion New Zealand Breakers' undefeated start to the National Basketball League season with a dramatic 67-64 home win.
Breakers guard CJ Bruton had a three-point shot in the final seconds that would have tied the scores but it missed, giving Melbourne the win.
Neither team could gain a decisive advantage over the opening three quarters but Melbourne held a four-point lead entering the final quarter after leading 35-30 at half-time.
The Breakers tied the scores at 62-62 with just under a minute remaining, setting up a dramatic finish
Former Tiger Daryl Corletto, who switched to the Breakers in the off season, received a warm ovation when he entered the game in the first quarter and he finished with five points.
NBA star guard Patty Mills, whose arrival due to the US lockout prompted Corletto to leave the Tigers, equal top-scored with 19 points along with the Breakers' Gary Wilkinson.
The Perth Wildcats are now the only unbeaten side and they top the ladder ahead of the Breakers after their 93-85 home win over the Townsville Crocodiles.
The Gold Coast Blaze thrashed the Hawks 83-58 at Wollongong while the Sydney Kings saw off the Adelaide 36ers on the road.
