The New Zealand Breakers have edged home 82-78 over the Sydney Kings in the first of three warm-up matches as they prepare to defend their National Basketball League (NBL) title.
There was little between the two teams at the end of the first quarter on Wednesday in Hamilton, a three-pointer from Jeromie Hill inside the last minute giving Sydney a 17-15 lead.
The Breakers stormed ahead in the second quarter, winning the spell 27-17 to take a 42-34 lead into halftime before Sydney battled back to level the scores 56-56 going into the final stanza.
But a solid effort from the free-throw line and a couple of crucial three-pointers steered them home, despite missing key players Corey Webster, Tom Abercrombie and Alex Pledger.
Josh Childress nailed a game-high 25 points for the Kings, also collecting 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Tai Wesley (19) and Reuben Te Rangi (18) headed New Zealand's best, with Wesley also picking up nine rebounds while Mika Vukona delivered his usual strong effort with 15 rebounds.
The Breakers will meet Sydney again on Friday in Invercargill before a closed-door game on Sunday in Auckland.
The defending champions' first game of their title defence is against the Townsville Crocs on Sunday October 11 in Auckland, while the Kings begin their campaign the day before on the road against Cairns.
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