NZ overwhelms Hong Kong

WELLINGTON: The Tall Blacks went on a scoring spree against hapless Hong Kong yesterday to win their World Cup qualifier 13374.

New Zealand had just three days, including a flight to Hong Kong, to turn around its disappointing home court loss to South Korea which began the Asian zone qualifying process.

It faced little resistance against its 82ndranked opponent, pulling 30 points clear by halftime, allowing coach Paul Henare to give extended court time to his bench.

Jordan Ngatai took advantage, topscoring with 18 points.

He was among seven players to register double figures, with captain Reuben Te Rangi on the next line with 16 points, along with three steals.

Playmaker Shea Ili was also busy, racking up 14 points, eight assists and five bounds.

Henare said it was an allround pleasing performance.

‘‘It wasn’t a case of us settling for the threes. I just kept telling the boys to take their shots as they came, and they did a great job in executing.’’

The win was an important one for his team, he said.

‘‘That gets us under way, our first win in Fiba Asia World Cup qualifying, and one that will give the players confidence for our next window in February when we travel to [South] Korea and China.’’ — NZN