The Junior Tall Blacks have registered a convincing 89-43 win over Indonesia at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, moving to 2-0 in the competition and top of Group D.
After trailing early in the opening period, New Zealand went on an 18-0 run to go up 22-6 at the first quarter break, then amped up the pressure in the second half as they outscored their opponents 48-23.
The Kiwi’s defensive focus was evident as they held Indonesia to just 17 field goals on 28% shooting while forcing them into 21 turnovers. The Kiwis also had a sizable 58-30 advantage in rebounds, and put in an improved offensive performance after they struggled from the field against Jordan – shooting 42.7% and outscoring Indonesia 46-24 in the paint.
Five Kiwis scored in double figures in the 46-point win; Tama Isaac leading New Zealand with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals, and Carter Hopoi adding 13 points and 8 rebounds. Dov Silberstein chipped in with 13 points and 5 rebounds, Kahu Treacher with 11 points and 6 rebounds and Ezrah Eagle adding 10.
For Indonesia, I Ketut Putra scored 10 points and 5 rebounds, while Richie Linardi added 7. Indonesia was limited to just 17 made field goals and only saw 12 points scored from their bench unit, while New Zealand had 43 bench points – with all 11 athletes seeing at least 14 minutes of action on the court.
Isaac has so far proven to be the engine of this Junior Tall Blacks squad. He currently sits as the second-leading scorer in this tournament with 19.5ppg, and is tied for 3rd-best in assists (6.5apg), steals (3spg) and efficiency (22.5). Rebounding has been a strength for New Zealand, with Hopoi ranking third overall in rebounding (10.5rpg) and the Kiwi team sitting third in rebounds with 51 per game – behind only Jordan and Australia.
The Junior Tall Blacks return to the court early tomorrow for their toughest test yet, taking on Philippines from 1.30am – watch it live at www.youtube.com/fiba
Stats:
New Zealand 89 – Isaac 16 PTS & 7 REBS & 6 AST | Hopoi 13 PTS & 8 REB | Silberstein 13 PTS & 5 REB | Treacher 11 PTS & 6 REB | Eagle 10 PTS | Christof 9 PTS | Barton 5 PTS | Heke 4 PTS & 5 REB | Hunt 4 PTS | Blight 2 PTS | Bond 2 PTS
Indonesia 43 – Puta 10 PTS & 5 REB | Linardi 7 PTS
Box Score: https://bbnz.link/lx82o
Quarter Scores: 22-6, 41-20, 66-31, 89-43
FIBA U18 Men’s Asia Cup – New Zealand Schedule and Results
NZL v Jordan – Tue 3 Sep (WON 71-62)
NZL v Indonesia – Wed 4 Sep (WON 89-43)
NZL v Philippines – 1.30am NZT, Thu 5 Sep
NZ Men’s U18 Squad at U18 Men’s Asia Cup
Adam Barton, Nelson Basketball Association
Will Blight, Nelson Basketball Association
Jonty Bond, Nelson Basketball Association
Chris Christof, Otago Basketball
Ezrah Eagle, Basketball Hawkes Bay
Mahnaya Heke, Waikato Basketball
Julius Halaifonua, NBA Global Academy
Carter Hopoi, Tauranga Basketball Association
Ryan Hunt, Waitakere West Auckland Basketball
Tama Isaac, Canterbury Basketball
Dov Silberstein, Basketball Manawatu
Kahu Treacher, Eastern Arizona College (US)
