Basketball New Zealand

Porirua guard Brooke Ruscoe again led the way as the NZ Junior Tall Blacks notched up their first win at the prestigious Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Mannheim, Germany, defeating Israel 68-54 in post-section play.

Making their first visit to the U19 event, the young Kiwis had lost all three of their pool games, but finally found their groove with a 29-11 opening quarter against Israel. The advantage grew to 25 with a period remaining, before Israel rallied down the stretch.

Ruscoe, who has been New Zealand’s top scorer throughout the tournament, had 18 points (7/16 FG, 4/7 3pt) in 32 minutes, while Canterbury guard Logan Van Beek had 13 points (5/8 FG, 3/5 3pt) and Wellington forward Dion Prewster accumulated 12 points (4/11 FG, 1/3 FT), nine rebounds, six assists, five steals and three blocks.

Harbour centre Rob Loe dominated the boards with 12 rebounds.

The Junior Tall Blacks shot a healthy 13/31 3pt (41.9%) and continued to reduce their turnover count, but were substantially aided by Israel’s poor 8/24 (33.3%) conversion from the free throw line.

They now face defending champions France, 63-89 losers to Croatia, tonight.

Albert Schweitzer Tournament
Mannheim, Germany
Wednesday, March 26
NZ Junior Tall Blacks 68 (Brook Ruscoe 18, Logan Van Beek 13, Dion Prewster 12) Israel 54 (Elad Ventura & Yotam Shiran 10)
Q 29-11
HT 47-26 (18-15)
3Q 59-34 (12-8)
FT 68-54 (9-20)
Box Score - New Zealand v Israel (html 14KB)