They try and try but still they do not succeed.
The Nuggets took New Zealand sport's longest losing streak to 31 last night with an 86-77 loss to the Giants in Nelson.
Both teams were winless this season and, in the Nuggets' case, winless in the last three years.
But there were a couple of major differences between the teams. One was called Phill with two ls. The other was called Mika, like the singer.
While the Nuggets again relied heavily on their big three, the Giants were strengthened by the return of Breakers star Mika Vukona and Cairns Taipans sharpshooter Phill Jones.
Vukona, not quite at 100% health, was kept to six points but used his rebounding talents to grab 10 boards.
Jones added 18 points and eight rebounds, while import Darrell Dora paced the Giants with 25 points and eight boards.
Craig Bradshaw stepped up for the Nuggets with 27 points and six rebounds, supported by Lance Allred (18 points, eight rebounds) and Scott O'Gallagher (17 points).
But Otago needs to get more production from its supporting cast if the streak is to be broken.
Tom Rowe was the next-best scorer with seven. Sam To'omata missed all four of his attempts from the field. And Mark Morrison was a non-event after struggling with illness during the week.
It was 22-22 after the first quarter at the Trafalgar Centre, before the Giants eased to a 47-37 lead at halftime and took a 63-54 buffer into the final quarter.
"It was actually a really good, up-and-down game," Nuggets coach Alf Arlidge said last night.
"We got right back into the game. I think they only led by about three with four minutes to play.
But we missed a couple of key shots and it was over."
Arlidge is the league's most ebullient coach - he has to be, considering he has never made a winner's speech and he saw some positives in the loss.
"Craig and Lance really played well together. They meshed together beautifully.
"Craig really battled away on the inside and he also stepped outside to land a couple of big shots."
Life does not get easier for the Nuggets. Tonight, they are in Wellington to play the unbeaten Saints.
The Saints warmed up for the clash by crushing the Taranaki Mountain Airs 124-102 last night, with import Kareem Johnson, young Breaker Corey Webster (23) and veteran guard Troy McLean (22) all scoring freely.
