Sacre Bleu
Tagged in: BBNZ News
The NZ Junior Tall Blacks could not string together their second consecutive win at the prestigious Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Mannheim, Germany, losing 65-84 to defending champions France in post section play.
After defeating Israel for their first victory at the event, the young Kiwis were hopeful of building on that success, but produced a flat effort against the French, who entered the encounter without a win.
The Europeans, led by Christophe Leonard (19 points/11 rebounds) dominated the boards, snatching 20 offensive rebounds and converting many of them into second-chance points. France outscored New Zealand by 30 points in the paint.
Porirua guard Brook Ruscoe and Wellington forward Dion Prewster had 14 points each for the Kiwis, who now play Russia at 11pm tonight for 13th spot.
Ruscoe, averaging 18 points per game, was fifth in overall scoring after four games, while Prewster, with 14.5, was 16th, along with 20th in rebounding and fourth in assists with 3.5 per game.
Albert Schweitzer Tournament
Mannheim, Germany
Thursday, March 27
France 84 (Christophe Leonard & Nicolas Lang 19) NZ Junior Tall Blacks 65 (Brook Ruscoe 14, Dion Prewster 14, Poutu Edwards 10)
