The Tall Blacks came from behind to beat Lebanon 106-91 in Wellington last night, a dominant fourth quarter allowing them to pull away for their eighth win of the World Cup qualifiers.
New Zealand fell behind briefly in the third quarter after a 58-50 halftime lead, but an improved defence and Hyrum Harris’ 10 fourth-quarter points got them home.
Isaac Fotu led all scorers for the Kiwis with 23 points and 7 rebounds on 10/12 shooting, while Jordan Ngatai 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists while shooting 5/6 from downtown.
Reuben Te Rangi was also hot from behind the arc, sinking 5/8 triples for his 21 points. Harris had another strong game off the bench with 14 points and 8 rebounds (6/6 free throws), with Tohi Smith-Milner adding 12 on 4/6 shooting.
For the Cedars, Amir Saoud impressed with his 28 points, while Sergio El Darwich added 25 and Gerard Hadidian chipped in with 15 points and 5 rebounds.
This win gives New Zealand sole possession of first place in Group E of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, which bodes well for the FIBA World Cup seeing draw at the end of April.
This win gives New Zealand sole possession of first place in Group E of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, which bodes well for the FIBA World Cup seeding draw at the end of April.
Stats:
New Zealand 106 – Fotu 23 PTS & 7 REB | Ngatai 21 PTS & 6 AST & 6 REB | Te Rangi 21 PTS | Smith-Milner 12 PTS & 5 REB | Harris 14 PTS & 8 REB | Britt 7 PTS & 5 AST | Rusbatch 5 PTS | Rodger 3 PTS & 6 AST
Lebanon 91 – Sauod 28 PTS | Sergio El Darwich 25 PTS | Gerard Hadidian 15 PTS & 5 REB | Hayk Gyokchyan 9 PTS | Mansour 8 PTS
Quarter scores: 30-20, 58-50, 84-80, 106-91.
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