Hard Lessons
Tagged in: Tall Blacks
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Wellington forward Leon Henry led the NZ Emerging Tall Blacks in their World University Games debut, scoring 13 points as they fell 62-74 to Canada in Bangkok.
The Kiwis led early and enjoyed their best period of the game through the second quarter, trailing just 25-31 at halftime. They lost further ground in the third quarter, though, and could not claw their way back into contention down the stretch.
Henry shot 4/10 FG, 2/5 3pt, 3/4 FT, adding four blocks, three rebounds, two steals and an assist, while centre Calum Macleod had 11 points (5/9 FG, 1/1 FT) and eight rebounds.
As a team, New Zealand were actually more efficient around the basket offensively and blocked 10 shots at the defensive end, but committed 20 turnovers and conceded 14 offensive boards.
ìThe turnovers were pretty much where we lost it,î acknowledged coach Darron Larsen. ìThereís no doubt in my mind these guys are good enough, but we canít afford to turn the ball over that much.î
Canada enjoyed their biggest offensive edge around the arc, where they shot 11/27 (40.7%). Guard Jevohn Shepherd led all scorers with 28 points (10/19 FG, 4/7 3pt, 4/4 FT) and seven rebounds.
ìI thought we defended them very well, especially in the halfcourt,î said Larsen. ìWe were just slow getting out of the blocks offensively and finally got into some sort of rhythm in the second half.
ìIím pretty happy knowing we are there or thereabouts and now the boys understand about playing under pressure.î
The Emerging Tall Blacks will face Thailand in their remaining pool game on Friday and a win will be enough to see them through to the next round, where they would join the top two teams from a pool consisting of Australia, Korea and Israel.
World University Games
Bangkok, Thailand
Wednesday, August 8
Canada 74 NZ Emerging Tall Blacks 62 (Leon Henry 13, Everard Bartlett 11, Calum Macleod 11)
Quarter 21-13
Halftime 31-25 (10-12)
Threequarter 57-45 (26-20)
Fulltime 74-62 (17-17)
