Five-game winning streak ends for Memphis Showboats in 31-3 loss to New Orleans Breakers

As the fans quickly disappeared to the exits with the rain and thunder delay at the end of the first quarter, so too did the Memphis Showboats defense. The New Orleans Breakers snapped the Showboats’ five-game winning streak with a 31-3 victory Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

The highly anticipated USFL game between two teams fighting for playoff contention in the South had a three-hour rain and thunder delay as the first quarter was nearing its completion.

The Showboats (5-4) might be grateful for the delay since their play wasn’t the best on the field.

"When you turn the football over five times, you're generally not going to have a chance to win," Showboats coach Todd Haley said.

Defense was a no-show

Behind the Showboats poor play was a lack of defense. Breakers running back Wes Hills rushed for 46 yards and had a two-yard touchdown to secure an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter.

Hills has quickly established himself as one of the top offensive players in the USFL this season. Hills converted on eight touchdowns through the first four games but slowed down as the Breakers (6-3) struggled to find their consistency.

In last week's win against the Michigan Panthers, the defense locked down Hills as he posted a season-low 38 yards.

However, on Saturday, the story was the opposite. Hills — who played at the Division II school Slippery Rock University — is the early favorite for offensive player of the year.

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Fumble equates disaster

In an attempt to climb out of a 10-0 deficit, the Showboats quickly found themselves in disaster territory.

Showboats center Jordan McCray fumbled on a snap, which was quickly recovered by quarterback Cole Kelley. But, the short pass was intercepted by linebacker Vontae Diggs, who converted on a 29-yard touchdown on the third-and-6.

With Breakers kicker Matt Coghlin converting the extra point, the Showboats trailed 17-0.

The kickoff was returned by Derrick Dillon, who made his way toward the 40-yard line and the Showboats looked to have found some momentum until Mother Nature delayed the game for three hours.

What’s next

With the conclusion of the regular season in less than two weeks, the Showboats are in playoff contention. However, nothing is decided just yet.

Two top teams from each division — North and South — will compete in the playoffs and face each other in the semifinals.

Last season, the playoffs were easily decided with four teams having winning records.

However, in the North, the Philadelphia Stars (4-4) are first followed by the Pittsburgh Maulers (3-6).

In the South, the Stallions (6-2) sit with a firm standing ahead of the Breakers.

The next game for the Showboats is home against the Stallions on June 17 at 3 p.m.

"I don't care about any of (the playoff matchups)," Haley said. "We have to play better football before we even think about the playoffs."

Reach sports writer Jerry Jiang at JJiang@gannett.com or on Twitter @j_jiang30

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Showboats' streak snapped with loss to New Orleans Breakers