Basketball New Zealand

Youth Olympics logo

New Zealand were eliminated from medal contention at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, losing 30-13 to a rampant Serbian team in the FIBA33 format.

The loss relegated the Kiwis to a 1-2 record with only tomorrow’s game against winless India remaining in pool play.

The NZ combination led early (4-2), but allowed Serbia to score the next eight points in a 15-1 run that took victory out reach. They could convert only 16% (4/25) FG with captain James Ashby again leading the way on seven points (2/8 FG, 1/2 3pt, 2/6 FT) and six rebounds.

If the Kiwis can beat India tomorrow, they will likely finish third in the pool, but only the top two progress to quarterfinals – Serbia and Greece have already secured those spots.

Youth Olympic Games

Singapore
Wednesday, August 18
Serbia 30 (Sasa Avramovic 12) New Zealand 13 (James Ashby 7, Rueben Te Rangi 5, Ben Fraser 1)
HT 12-5
FT 30-13 (18-8)