Basketball New Zealand

Warning: file_exists() [function.file-exists]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/var/www/vhosts/basketball.org.nz/httpdocs/resources/uploads/2008/03/bbnz-black-logo-web.thumbnail.jpg) is not within the allowed path(s): (/home/bbnz/:/tmp:/usr/local/lib/php/) in /home/bbnz/domains/tallblacks.org.nz/public_html/wp-includes/post.php on line 3943

Junior Tall Blacks drop to 0-2

After the shock of a 38-point loss on opening day, the Junior Tall Blacks began to find their feet at the prestigious Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Mannheim, Germany, holding Argentina to a more creditable 60-77 result on Day Two.

The young Kiwis actually outplayed their illustrious rivals 18-17 in the second quarter and reached halftime just six points behind, before fading over closing stages. Both teams were error-prone – New Zealand committed 24 turnovers, still an improvement on the night before – but the South Americans made 14 steals that again resulted in transition lay-ups.

The JTBS attempted just as many shots as their opponents, but while most of the Argentines’ were high-percentage efforts around the basket, the Kiwis were more willing to settle for long-range attempts from the arc. They converted just 3/23 3pt and 31% FG overall.

Porirua guard Brook Ruscoe was again New Zealand’s leading scorer with 15 points (2/5 FG, 2/6 3pt, 5/7 FT), while Dion Prewster managed 14 points (5/15 FG, 4/6 FT). Centre Rob Loe, who had gone scoreless on opening night, rebounded with 13 points (4/8 FG, 1/3 3pt, 4/4 FT), three rebounds, a block and a steal.

The Junior Tall Blacks wind up pool play tomorrow against also winless Croatia, who lost 64-102 to Spain after a two-point loss to Argentina in their tournament opener.

Albert Schweitzer TournamentMannheim, Germany
Sunday, March 23
Argentina 77 (Ezequiel Manzanarez 22) NZ Junior Tall Blacks 60 (Brook Ruscoe 15, Dion Prewster 14, Rob Loe 13)
1Q: 19-12
HT: 36-30 (17-18)
3Q: 59-48 (23-18)
FT: 77-60 (18-12)

Box Score – NZ JTBs v Argentina (17KB html)