Impressive Tall Blacks ease to win over China
The Tall Blacks are on a roll, and packing their arenas in the process.
A record crowd of 8000 rolled up at Spark Arena in Auckland yesterday and witnessed a quality display by Paul Henare’s New Zealand men’s team as they defeated China 67-57 to finish the first stage of Fiba World Cup qualifying on a perfect note.
The fifth straight victory for the Tall Blacks in Asian qualifying play takes them top of group A with a 5-1 record and they will advance to the second stage in an ideal position to grab a spot at next year’s World Cup in China.
This was a major step up from Thursday’s ridiculously easy 59-point victory over Hong Kong, but the Tall Blacks made the adjustments needed to secure a second straight victory over the Chinese in qualifying play.
They had a lot to thank their forward line for, with Isaac Fotu, Rob Loe and Tom Abercrombie all outstanding for the home side.
Fotu, a beast in the low post throughout, paced the Tall Blacks with 15 points (6 of 12 field goals) and five boards, while Abercrombie continued his crisp form for the window with 14 points (5/14 FG) and four boards.
Loe may be unwanted by the Breakers, but he remains a key part of this Tall Blacks setup and the big man finished with a fine statline of 13 points (5/7 FG, 3/5 3PT), 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and four blocks.
Shea Ili chipped in with eight points and six assists for the New Zealanders, while Jarrod Kenny
(7 points) and Mika Vukona (8 rebounds) also made useful contributions.
China were paced by a fabulous double-double from forward Abudushalamu Abudurexiti who led all scorers with 23 points, on
9-of-12 shooting, and grabbed 12 rebounds. New Zealand 67 (Isaac Fotu 15, Tom Abercrombie 14, Rob Loe 13), China 57 (Abudushalamu Abudurexiti 23). 1Q: 15-18; HT: 37-29; 3Q: 51-48.