The NZ Breakers won't make the finals in their inaugural NBL season unless a miracle of mammoth proportions vaults them into the top eight.

The 96-80 loss to the Townsville Crocs realistically put paid to their play-off hopes and left them with a 7-18 win-loss record.

The Crocs started the game with a flourish, racing to an 11-0 lead but a determined effort by the home side kept them in touch.

The second quarter was a mess of bodies and hard-fast play as both sides traded shots and players hit the ground.

With just over four minutes left in the game, the players were involved in an all-in brawl.

The push-and-shove lasted for more than 30 seconds and ended with Pero Cameron having a foul put beside his name.

Ben Melmeth made a welcome return to the Breakers line-up after missing last Wednesday's win over the Crocs because of injury but he finished with a meagre seven points.

For the Crocs the leading scorer was Pat Reidy with a game-high total of 25 while Robert Rose scored 21.

For the Breakers, Mike Chappell had 18 points followed by Aaron Olson (14) and Phill Jones (10).

"In the last game we got depressed about missing narrow shots. Tonight we fought back and I was pleased with that," Crocs coach Ian Stacker said.

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