Tall Blacks set to face Boomers

These young Tall Blacks just keep getting better and better.

Paul Henare’s New Zealand basketballers dominated their Asia Cup quarterfinal yesterday against Jordan in Beirut to win through to an intriguing semifinal matchup against the Australian national team, the Boomers, early tomorrow.

The Tall Blacks, missing all of their senior players who were given this inaugural Asian zone campaign off, continued to exceed expectations with a 98-70 all-theway victory over Jordan who had no answer to the Kiwis’ hustling defence, rebounding relentlessness and excellent ball movement. They won the final quarter 32-13 to put the icing on an impressive performance.

‘‘The guys came out from the start with the right amount of energy and sustained it through the game,’’ assistant coach Ross McMains said. ‘‘With this group, when they do that and play smart, we are in a really good place.

Henare got a well-balanced display from his key players too, with standout point guard Shea Ili leading the way with a double-double of 19 points (on eight-of-14 shooting) and 13 assists, as well as four rebounds and two steals. The Breakers playmaker continues to be at the heart of so much of what this team is achieving.

‘‘Shea has become a leader, and grown with it. He showed a tremendous amount of poise tonight through the ups and downs of that game, he stayed in his place and lifted our team at key times,’’ added McMains.

But the contributions came thick and fast down Henare’s rotation.

Tohi Smith-Milner continued his breakthrough tournament at this level with 19 points and seven rebounds. He made seven of his 12 shots overall, including two of his three attempts from range, and troubled the Jordanians throughout with his mix of size, mobility and shooting touch.

The livewire Finn Delany had a strong second half to finish with 17 points (7/10 FG) and nine boards (six off the offensive glass), Jordan Ngatai chipped in with 10 points and big man Sam Timmins added nine points and 11 rebounds and was sound on defence in the paint.

Skipper Reuben Te Rangi’s contribution was also significant. He had nine points (3/6 FG, 2/4 3PT) and seven assists and was a key playmaking option for his team in the first half as they put their opponents into an early hole.

The Tall Blacks shot well (49 percent overall, 37 from deep and 19 of 21 from the line), dominated the boards (44-24) and found the open man brilliantly, with 26 assists on their 34 made buckets. They continue to impress with a maturity and poise in their game that belies their tender experience.

McMains lauded a total team effort.

‘‘Their humility and togetherness and willingness to play for each other is impressive,’’ he added.

‘‘We have communicated how we want them to impact the game and each player has accepted that and thrives on their role every single night.’’

Henare’s men dominated the first half, opening out a 21-12 lead after the first quarter and extending it to a decisive 50-38 by the halftime break.

The Jordanians would have been even further adrift but for an outstanding 20 first-half points from sharpshooting guard Mah’d Abdeen who went seven-of-eight from the floor and four-of-four from deep.

‘‘Australia will be exciting,’’ McMains said.

‘‘It is going to be a fun matchup. It’s what everyone wants. We have a day and a half to get ready for them.’’