A final-quarter scoring drought has cost New Zealand another NBL upset as Adelaide escaped Christchurch with a 83-79 win.

The Breakers took a two-point lead into the fourth term on Thursday but could manage just two free throws, missing 14 consecutive field-goal attempts, in the first eight minutes of play.

Bryce Cotton (23 points, six assists), who started slowly, hit a step-back triple to put the 36ers ahead by nine and seemingly ice the contest ahead of his former club Perth's visit to Adelaide on Sunday.

In a game that had fluctuated all night, the Breakers recovered with five quick points, forcing turnovers with their full-court press to get within two in the final 90 seconds.

Both teams played the foul game and it was a pair of makes by Zylan Cheatham (13 points, eight rebounds)

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