Basketball New Zealand

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New Zealand have tuned up for the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore with a scrimmage against the United States.

Settling into the games village, the young Kiwis – James Ashby, Ben Fraser, Michael Karena and Reuben Te Rangi – are preparing for a showdown with Greece in the opening game of the FIBA33 tournament tomorrow morning.

They got a quick taste of things to come when they fell 17-33 to the Americans at practice today.

“We were down 9-17 at halftime,” reflects coach Anthony Corban. “We were controlling our possessions and running our sets.

“But in the second half, we lost our discipline with our offensive sets and paid the price. It was a great experience for our guys and underlined the importance of controlling the ball when in possession.

“The Americans were big with a seven footer, and three guys who can drive, dunk and shoot the three. Highlight of the game was Rueben blocking one of their big guys trying to throw it down!”

Tonight, the Kiwis face will attend the opening ceremony and the prospect of a late night, but must temper their excitement and save themselves for that first game at 9am.

“It will test our energy … Greece will be no pushover.”

Youth Olympics Website