A Tom Abercrombie deep-three pointer has lifted the Tall Blacks to a 10th straight FIBA World Cup qualifying win.
New Zealand topped Lebanon 69-67 in Beirut thanks to a brilliant display from the Breakers swingman.
With just 20 seconds remaining, Abercrombie broke the hearts of an at times hostile Lebanese crowd with a trademark dime from the top of the key.
The 31-year-old top-scored for the Tall Blacks with 19 points while his Breakers teammate Finn Delaney went for 16.
The Kiwi led after by seven at the half but a spirited Lebanon scored 22 third-quarter points to tie the game 52-52 heading into the final frame.
The two sides went basket-for-basket on the final quarter before Abercrombie's clutch shot left Lebanon with 20 seconds to come up with a game-winning play.
Step up Abercrombie again – he dispossessed centre Ater Majok, who was under the basket, to complete a nervy New Zealand win.
The Tall Blacks are now 10-1 in their group and all-but-guaranteed top-seeding for this year's World Cup regardless of the result against Jordan on Monday.
Newshub.
