Basketball: Tall Blacks close in on World Cup berth

  • 30/11/2018

The Tall Blacks are one win away from securing a place at next year's basketball World Cup in China, after a commanding 95-69 win over Jordan at Christchurch's Horncastle Arena.

Veteran swingman Tom Abercrombie led the way with 18 points, while Jordan Ngatai (17), Reuben Te Rangi (11) and debutant Tom Vodanovich (11) also reached double figures.

The Tall Blacks never seemed troubled, as they led from start to finish in their first Christchurch outing in 14 years, despite missing brothers Corey and Tai Webster brothers, along with forwards Isaac Fotu and Finn Delany.

Jordan were on the back foot before the match tipped off, after they learned American-born guard Justin Dentmon had been ruled ineligible to play for Jordan by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

Rob Loe scored the first basket of the game, his four points and six from Te Rangi helping the hosts to a 29-17 first-quarter lead, which they extended to 51-30 at halftime.

Abercrombie then scored 13 of his 18 points in the third quarter to help the hosts take a 73-46 lead into the final term.

Tall Blacks head coach Paul Henare was naturally delighted with the result.

"I'm really proud of this group, the way they play and play for each other, really getting after it, in terms of our intensity and physicality, particularly at the defensive end.

"Several guys were able to step up without several of our regular players. It was really pleasing to see and really pleasing to see we had production across the board."

The Tall Blacks can clinch their World Cup spot with a win over Syria in their next Asian zone qualifier in Wellington on Sunday.

They have two remaining qualifiers after that - away to Lebanon and Jordan in February - but a win over Syria would mean they can head to the Middle East knowing they've already secured qualification.

"Our record suggests we are doing well, but I think the bigger picture is the way that we have been able to integrate different players and younger players, and keep our experienced players like Tom [Abercrombie] and Mika [Vukona] involved," said Henare

"Combining that mixture has enabled us to maintain momentum and keep consistency in the way we are competing.

"We enjoy this one, we celebrate this one, but then get ready for another big game on Sunday.

"All these guys have put so much physical, mental and emotional energy and effort into getting us to this place right now, and the message to the group is that we are not quite there yet.

"Let's keep pushing and striving for greatness in terms of how we want to play. Sunday is just another step in that direction."

The Tall Blacks beat Syria 107-66 when the teams met in Lebanon in September.

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