Basketball New Zealand

Youth Olympic Games logo

New Zealand chalked up their first win at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, defeating Puerto Rico 30-26 in a preliminary FIBA33 encounter.

Captain James Ashby led the way with 12 points (6/10 FG) as his team improved to 1-1 in pool play. The young Kiwis led 12-10 at halftime and simply made the most of less opportunities, shooting 50% FG (13/26).

They now face a must-win match-up with unbeaten Serbia tomorrow, if they are to keep their medal hopes alive. Serbia ended Greece’s winning run with a 34-14 demolition.

“Serbia are Mt Everest,” says coach Anthony Corban. “They are BIG and pound teams inside, kicking the ball out to their shooters.

“I was talking to the USA coach and he tipped them as the team to beat at this tournament.”

Youth Olympic Games

Singapore
Tuesday, August 17
New Zealand 30 (James Ashby 12, Michael Karena 8, Rueben Te Rangi 7, Ben Fraser 3) Puerto Rico 26 (Kristian Medina 13)
HT 12-10
FT 30-26 (18-16)