A horror eye injury to New Zealand Breakers forward Akil Mitchll has cast a dark shadow over the home team's 94-81 NBL loss to Cairns in Auckland on Thursday night.

The American fell to the floor in agony early in the final quarter after what seemed to be an innocuous poke to the face while contesting a rebound with Taipans centre Nnanna Egwu resulted in his left eyeball coming out of its socket.

The injury left his teammates visibly upset, along with fans near the baseline.

Some Breakers players gathered in a huddle to say a prayer for the 24-year-old former University of Virginia player.