Basketball New Zealand

Basketball New Zealand

The New Zealand boys semifinal chances took a sideways step at the Australia Under-16 National Championships in Kalamunda, Western Australia, on Tuesday.

The Kiwis produced their worst performance of the tournament in losing their second straight game, 68-35 to pool B leaders Victoria Country, now putting their top-four aspirations at risk in their final pool game on Wednesday.

Alonzo Burton and James Ashby top-scored with seven points, Burton adding 11 rebounds, as NZ shot just 19 percent from the field, 17 percent on three-point shots and 37 percent from the free-throw line, and committed 33 turnovers.

Vic Country, who shot 40 percent on field goals but went 0-of-13 on threes and 4-of-15 on freebies, led by 14 points after one quarter and by 25 at halftime. NZ dominated the boards 55-39 and won the fourth quarter 13-10.

The Kiwi boys (3-2) still hold second in pool B and meet New South Wales Metro (3-1) in round six, a win guaranteeing them a place in the semifinals, even if NSW Metro win their final pool game in round seven, when NZ have the bye, and finish with identical 4-2 records.

The NZ girls team fell to their fourth loss in Kalamunda, going down 77-56 to undefeated Victoria Country.

Kayla Kiriau top-scored with 11 points and three assists, while Moengaroa Subritzsky had nine points and six rebounds, and Megan Craig six points and seven rebounds for the Kiwis, who fell behind by 17 points at halftime after a 14-4 second quarter.

NZ (0-4) will get their best chance for a win when they meet Western Australia Country (0-4) in round five on Wednesday.