Tall Blacks lose bronze medal match

The Tall Blacks were unable to overcome the loss of point guard Shea Ili in the bronze medal match at the FIBA Asia Cup, losing to Korea 80-71 in Beirut.

Ili’s split webbing suffered in the side’s semifinal loss to Australia kept him out of the match, while Sam Timmins, Finn Delany and Derone Raukawa were all battling illness but took to the floor.

‘‘Losing Shea was tough, he has had a great tournament and been arguably our best player, that was always going to be a tough ask,’’ Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare said.

After a good start, the Tall Blacks fell into a hole and the Koreans found their range from deep to lead 25-17 at the end of the first quarter, and 44-31 at halftime.

‘‘We started the game off well in terms of the scoreboard, but defensively we were having breakdowns and Korea were missing shots.

‘‘Those breakdowns soon caught up with us though, and their shooters got their eye in and got some momentum. But the second quarter was improved and again though we got within striking distance and yet again this young group showed the fight to stay involved in a game and give themselves a chance.

‘‘They played a really good second half but unfortunately it wasn’t enough and Korea deserved that win tonight.’’

That comeback was built primarily on the scoring of Delany and captain Reuben Te Rangi, with Te Rangi scoring the first six points of the second half to bring his side back into the contest. Henare was going deep into the roster though, as tired bodies started to falter.

‘‘We experimented with Reuben at the point and I thought he did a good job.’’

Henare was proud of what his side had achieved at the tournament, with the largely inexperienced side selected exceeding expectations.

Henare also had a word for those not at the tournament but likely to return for the crucial FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, starting in November.

‘‘The veterans that are not here can be extremely proud of this group, but they also have a responsibility now to follow on from this and add to what this group has done in the future.’’

Australia won the gold medal, beating Iran 79-56.