NBL All-Star Carlos Powell scored 31 points and grabbed nine rebounds as the New Zealand Breakers beat the Adelaide 36ers by nine points.

Playing in front of their home fans at the North Shore Events Centre, the Breakers tilted the game their way in the last quarter to win 110-101 after starting the last period ahead by just three points.

Tim Behrendorff scored 12 points, including some vital baskets to keep the Breakers ahead just when the 36ers appeared to be making a run.

But Powell was the man of the match ahead of Saturday's All-Star game, when fellow Breaker Ben Pepper will also compete.

Pepper had 11 points and 11 rebounds.

It was New Zealand's second win over the Sixers this season, having also knocked them off in Adelaide 99-90 earlier this season.

The Breakers were coming off a 109-88 loss to the Sydney Kings while the 36ers, who were standing just one position below the Kiwis in the competition in ninth, won their last game over the West Sydney Razorbacks.

The Breakers meet the Razorbacks in Auckland on Wednesday.

"We set a target to win our next two games here (home) to try and make our place safe for the top eight," Breakers captain Paul Henare said.

"We've got the first one, so we're quite happy with that and now we'll look forward to next week."

The Breakers led 36-24 in the first quarter, 61-52 at halftime and 81-78 at three-quarter time.

While Powell top-scored, Brian Wethers supported with 20 points and Forman with 14.

For the 36ers, Nick Horvath scored 28 points, Willie Farley 26 and Brett Maher and Lanard Copeland 11 each.

The 36ers took a 66-64 lead midway through the third quarter and it appeared the home side was going to suffer the same fate as last week.

However Pepper, Powell and Olsen came up with some fine work to ensure they kept their noses in front.

The see-sawing game started drifting away from the 36ers when Maher lost possession in a careless piece of play and Olsen scored at the other end to make it 101-95.

From there the Breakers were able to gradually pull away and ensure their fifth win for the year.

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