The Tall Blacks have produced a 92-75 win over Philippines in the FIBA Asia Cup this morning, in the process securing a second place spot in Group D.
Flynn Cameron led the way with 18 points (on 6/8 shooting) in limited minutes, while Taine Murray had 16 points (4-9 from downtown) and 8 rebounds, Kruz Perrott-Hunt had 12, Tohi Smith-Milner with 11 points & 8 rebounds, and Isaac Davidson scored 10.
The Philippines were paced by Kiefer Ravena with 17 points and 6 rebounds, while Karl Quiambao and Carl Tamayo had 14 point apiece and Bobby Ray Parks had 10.
In beating Gilas Pilipinas for the third time in three games this year, the Kiwis led the game from start to finish in this one – powered by a 30-point first quarter, spearheaded by point guard Perrott-Hunt and his 8 points.
After Philippines closed the gap with a run in the second quarter, New Zealand was able to pull away in the second half – thanks to Cameron and Murray’s scoring – to secure the 17-point win. This victory also secures the Kiwis a place in the ‘Qualification to Quarterfinals’ game tomorrow against Syria, who finished third in Group C.
The Kiwis shot 45% overall, along with a vastly-improved 88% from the free throw line (on 15-17 attempts), and scored 20 second-chance points and 40 points in the paint.
New Zealand also dominated on the boards with 61 rebounds against 28 for Philippines; Sam Mennenga with 14 rebounds, an impressive 8 of those coming on the offensive glass.
The Tall Blacks will next face Syria in the ‘Qualification to Quarterfinals’ game on Tuesday 19 July at 10.30pm NZT – watch live on Whakaata Maori TV.
Stats:
New Zealand 92 – Cameron 18PTS | Murray 16PTS & 8REB | Perrott-Hunt 12PTS & 5REB | Smith-Milner 11PTS & 8REB & 5ASS | Davidson 10PT | Britt 8PTS | Fahrensohn 7PTS | Timmins 4PTS & 9REB | Hunt 4PTS | Mennenga 2PTS & 14REB
Philippines 75 – Ravena 17PTS & 6REB | Quiambao 14PTS | Tamayo 14PTS | Parks 10PTS
Quarter scores: 30-16, 46-38, 67-52, 92-75.
Full Stats here:
Tall Blacks Asia Cup Schedules (All Times NZT)
- Vs India, 4pm NZT Wed 13 July (W 100-47)
- Vs Lebanon, 1am NZT, Sat 16 July (L 72-86)
- Vs Philippines, 1am NZT, Mon 18 July (W 92-75)
- Vs Syria, 10.30pm NZT, Tue 19 July
Tall Blacks Squad – FIBA Asia Cup 2022
Flynn Cameron, Riverside California (4 caps)
Isaac Davidson, NZ Breakers / Franklin Bulls (3 caps)
Jordan Hunt, Hawkes Bay Hawks (4 caps)
Kane Keil, Franklin Bulls (3 caps)
Kruz Perrott-Hunt, University of South Dakota (5 caps)
Max Darling, Canterbury Rams (3 caps)
Sam Mennenga, Davidson College (3 caps)
Sam Timmins, NZ Breakers / Otago Nuggets (15 caps)
Taine Murray, University of Virginia (6 caps)
Taki Fahrensohn, Auckland Tuatara (6 caps)
Taylor Britt, Canterbury Rams (7 caps)
Tohi Smith-Milner, Sandringham Sabres (42 caps)
