Basketball New Zealand

Canterburyís James Holland led a balanced scoring effort and Waikatoís Hiwaroa Grant recorded a ìdouble doubleî as the Junior Tall Blacks finished the Australian U18 Championships with their first win.

The Kiwis edged Northern Territory 79-75 in overtime in the playoff for 13/14th with Holland scoring 18 points (7/12 FG, 3/6 3pt, 1/2 FT) and Grant accumulating 12 points/15 rebounds.

In a scrappy affair, New Zealand outscored their rivals 13-9 in the extra period. They enjoyed an even share of possession, but finished off their chances more effectively, albeit shooting only 38.6% FG.

While the Junior Tall Blacks finished with a 1-5 record, they were essentially a second-string selection. The top line-up will travel to Las Vegas for The Main Event tournament from July 22-26.

Meanwhile, the Junior Tall Ferns finished their tournament with a 4-3 record, overcoming South Australian Metro 75-71 for ninth placing. Canterbury guard Erin Rooney was again top scorer with 24 points (10/16 FG, 1/3 3pt, 3/5 FT), while provincial team-mate Harriet Fenwick had 14 points (7/7 FG) and nine rebounds.

The Kiwi women were in a deep hole after conceding a 27-12 second quarter to their opponents, but clawed their way back for a gutsy victory.

South Australia managed 17 more attempts on goal than their counterparts, but New Zealand had their best shooting performance of the week, converting 48.5% FG, and enjoyed a decided edge in the foul count.

Australian U18 Championships

Launceston
Saturday, June 14
Men
13/14th
New Zealand 79 (James Holland 18, Sam Butler 14, Hiwaroa Grant 12, Josh Bloxham 12, Te Puao Silver 11) Northern Territory 75

Women
9/10th
New Zealand 75 (Erin Rooney 24, Harriet Fenwick 14, Zoe Kensington 11) South Australia Metro 71