Tall Blacks blow lead as Iran battle back for narrow win
‘‘We have just spoken about how we can’t afford to lower our intensity, we are simply not a good enough team to have those lapses and expect not to be punished at this level.’’ Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare
A poor final quarter has cost the Tall Blacks in a 75-72 loss to Iran in a Olympic qualifying tournament warm-up match in Latvia.
New Zealand led by five at halftime and by one going into the fourth quarter yesterday, but went off the boil and added just 10 further points as the Iranians kept their cool to close out victory.
The Kiwis face an even tougher challenge against hosts Latvia today and head coach Paul Henare acknowledged they would have to
be better as he rued the lapses made by his team against Iran.
‘‘We have just spoken about how we can’t afford to lower our intensity, we are simply not a good enough team to have those lapses and expect not to be punished at this level,’’ he said.
"These are very good teams and they will hurt you if you are not locked in at all times.
‘‘We extended on them a few times in the game but each time we let them back in, the second quarter we conceded 27 points when we had the chance to build further on what we had achieved with a very good start. In the final quarter we were outscored 8-2 over the closing five minutes, which we need to address.’’
The Tall Blacks started well, holding the Iranians to 11 first quarter points and scoring 19 of their own, Isaac Fotu leading the way for with 12 points and four rebounds.
By halftime Iran had found their range on the back of a drop in concentration from New Zealand, closing to within five points at 38-43 and showing the form that won them the recent Atlas Challenge in China.
Iran maintained that momentum at the start of the second half, taking the lead inside three minutes.
That sparked a response from the Tall Blacks, and on the back of a quick six points from Corey Webster they extended back out to an eight point advantage.
Iran made another run to finish the quarter, cutting the Kiwi lead to one heading into a tight final quarter, where the lead changed on almost every play.
Neither side was able to make a significant run and break the game open and, in the end, it was Iran who held their nerve in the pressure of the closing moments.
Iran made just enough of their shots to seal victory.