Basketball New Zealand

NZ Tall Blacks logo

Spearheaded by Kirk Penney’s 42 points, the NZ Tall Blacks have overcome incredible odds – two periods of overtime and a crippling foul count – to defeat Slovenia on their home court at the Adecco Cup in Maribor.

New Zealand, in the second phase of their preparations for the FIBA World Championship for Men in Turkey later this month, had four players foul out and watched their opponents attempt an unbelievable 45 free throws (71%), yet maintained their poise under pressure to secure victory over the rivals ranked 20th in the world.

Despite close scrutiny from his markers, Penney connected with 14/25 FG and 9/15 3pt to lead all scorers, but the most promising aspect of this performance was how his team-mates stepped up around him to contribute at key times.

Particularly encouraging was a return to form for captain Pero Cameron, who has played very little over the past 12 months due to injury. He responded with 15 points (6/7 FG. 3/4 3pt) in 16 minutes.

The Kiwis did tremendously well to stay in touch through the opening quarter after falling into early foul trouble. Forward Mika Vukona continued his running battle with the European referees and picked up two personal fouls within as many minutes to return to the bench for the rest of the period.

His second also put his team into the penalty.

But the Tall Blacks shooters immediately had their eye in. Cameron showed his readiness with a pair of treys to open the NZ account. Then Penney connected with four more from the arc to bring the Kiwis on level terms near the end of stanza.

Midway through the second quarter, the home team put on a 10-point run that suddenly extended the margin into double figures. Tom Abercrombie hauled some of that back with two offensive rebounds that resulted in five straight points, but he too was forced to sit with his third foul soon after.

Slovenia led 52-44 at the break, largely due to their blistering 71% FG. They had enjoyed far more opportunities at the free-throw line and forced their guests into 10 turnovers.

The Tall Blacks were as close as they were only because they were also shooting well (61% FG), especially from long distance (57%, 8/14 3pt). Penny already had 15 points (5/8 3pt).

Soon after the restart, they made probably their first significant run of the tour, rattling off nine points to draw even. Five quick fouls, including Vukona’s fourth personal, threatened to stall that momentum, but Abercrombie got their noses in front with a pair of freebies, and New Zealand led 69-67 into the fourth quarter.

The tide had turned and suddenly the Kiwis smelled victory. That faint whiff turned into sweet perfume as first Cameron, then Penney, then Penney again struck from deep to put them 11 points clear.

Almost predictably, there was another flurry of fouls called against them and New Zealand started losing players.

Point guard Jeremy Kench was the first to go. With Lindsay Tait sidelined and Mike Fitchett also teetering on four fouls, the point was exposed.

Then Vukona went. Then Cameron.

What followed was a procession of Slovenian players to the free-throw line. They shot 6/8 FT to draw level at 83-83. Penney tied the game up from the charity stripe with just over a minute remaining, but his missed second attempt would ultimately consign the contest to an extra period.

Still, he opened the overtime scoring with a three-point play before Abercrombie also took a seat, a double/double (11 points/10 rebounds) under his belt.

Consecutive baskets from Fitchett and Craig Bradshaw gave the Tall Blacks a four-point cushion, but with 26 seconds on the clock, Jaka Lakovic made a lay-up that prompted a second extra period.

Veteran Phill Jones hit his first field goal to open OT2, then Casey Frank also connected from afar to again open up some breathing room. Slovenia crept closer, but Jones finally sealed the result with a made pair of free throws.

The Kiwis shot superbly for their win, converting 56% FG and 45% (15/33) 3pt. Depending on your perspective, the lopsided foul count may indicate they still have to adjust to fickle European rule interpretations.

But they also managed to put the stoppers on Slovenia defensively, restricting them to just 46% FG overall after their hot start.

The Tall Blacks must now put that performance behind them and regroup quickly for their game against Serbia at 3.30am NZ, Sunday.

Adecco Cup

Maribor, Slovenia
Friday, August 13
New Zealand 104 (Kirk Penney 42, Pero Cameron 15, Tom Abercrombie 11) Slovenia 103 (Bostjan Nachbar 29, Jaka Lakovic 16, Uros Slokar 12) 2OT
Q1 26-30
HT 44-52 (18-22)
Q3 69-67 (25-15)
FT 86-86 (17-19)
OT 96-96 (10-10)
2OT 104-103 (8-7)