The Tall Blacks have lost to Japan 79-72 in the first of two warm-up games between the two countries in the lead up to the FIBA World Cup later this month.
The Tall Blacks jumped out to a 29-17 lead at the end of the first quarter before Japan came storming back to lead by two at halftime.
Japan pulled away in the final quarter to secure the victory in front of home fans.
Auckland Tuatara star Reuben Te Rangi finished with 15 points.
The two sides will meet again on Friday night.