World Cup likely for Tall Blacks

The Tall Blacks have run riot in their latest Basketball World Cup qualifier, thrashing Syria 107-66 in Beirut. With just 200 fans in attendance at the neutral venue, the Tall Blacks climbed to the top of their group with the easy win, moving closer to confirming their spot at the 2019 World Cup. Shea Ili, Jordan Ngatai and Isaac Fotu all managed 16 points as the side now face three plane trips back to New Zealand where they host Lebanon in Rotorua on Monday.