The Ipswich Force travelled to the Top End to take on the second-placed Darwin Salties and were the latest team to experience their trademark deathroll, going down 121-110.
Starting as remote outsiders, the defending NBL1 North champion Ipswich outfit were aware of the challenge at hand.
In a high-scoring first half that saw 129 points recorded, the Force took a 65-64 lead into the halftime break, with 21 points scored by DJ Mitchell, including three three-pointers from six attempts.
The third quarter saw the trademark dominance from the Salties as they took a 17-point lead heading into the final quarter.
The shining light for the Force in the loss was once again their core of Nathan Sobey (25 points), Henry Pwono (28 points) and DJ Mitchell (29 points).
The hunt for the first win of the season continues for the Lady Force after another loss on the weekend, beaten 92-78 by the Darwin Salties.
At halftime, the Darwin outfit led 45-43, with the Ipswich Force having shot 50 per cent from deep with three three-pointers made in the first half.
Hoops star Courtney Woods featured for the winning side, finishing with 28 points, 11 assists and three steals, partnered with Abigail Curtin (17 points and nine rebounds) and Ashley Harris who finished on 20 points and 11 rebounds.
With long-term Ipswich Lady Force captain Georgia Ralph now retired, Kate Head stepped up, playing 40 minutes for 28 points (5-3 3PM).
She would have been happy to see American Amanda Cahill return to the court for the Force, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Force squads will now return home to JBS Arena to host South West Metro Pirates on Saturday, May 25 with tip-off for the women at 5pm and the men at 7pm.
