Kiwi boys back on track
Tagged in: Athletes, National Teams, Tournament News
Matt Freeman’s double double helped NZ U16 Boys re-discover their winning ways at the Australian Championships, beating South Australia Metro 84-68 on Day Three at Tamworth.
The Kiwis gained an important advantage with a 24-12 second quarter and made the most of their offensive opportunities, shooting 47% from the field and dishing 23 assists.
North Harbour’s Freeman led the way with 12 points and 14 rebounds, while Kane Keil of Auckland led all scorers with 23 points. New Zealand improved to 2-1 in pool play and face West Australia Country (0-2) on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, the NZ girls lost an overtime contest, 56-61 to Queensland North, falling to 1-2 for the tournament.
New Plymouth’s Kayla Manuirirangi had 11 points for the Kiwis, while Connie Poletti, also of New Plymouth, grabbed 14 rebounds. They face unbeaten New South Wales Metro (3-0) on Tuesday afternoon
Australian U16 Championships
Tamworth, New South Wales
Boys
New Zealand 84 (Kane Keil 23, Reuben Porter 18, Matt Freeman 12) South Australia Metro 68
Q1 16-14
HT 40-26 (24-12)
Q3 68-54 (28-28)
FT 84-68 (16-14)
Box Score
Girls
Queensland North 61 New Zealand 56 (Kayla Manuirirangi 11) OT
Q1 20-12
HT 30-25 (10-13)
Q3 40-40 (10-15)
FT 52-52 (12-12)
OT 61-56 (9-4)
Box Score
