New Zealand's Tall Blacks threatened to engineer one of the biggest upsets in Olympic games basketball history, holding European champions Italy at bay before fading on the run home to lose 78-66 on Thursday.
The bottom-ranked Tall Blacks belied their lowly status leading the genuine medal contenders 36-32 at halftime and then protected their advantage until halfway through the second spell.
But with 10-minutes to play, the Italians finally put an effective game, capitalising on some tentative offence from the underdogs to quash the New Zealanders' tenacious challenge.
They nudged themselves into the lead at 48-47 and never relinquished the advantage.
Despite fading in the latter stages, the Tall Blacks easily produced their best performance of the Games following losses to France and China.
Top scorer Pero Cameron was outstanding, particularly from long-range, landing five three-pointers.
The Aucklander top-scored with 18 and was ably supported by Phill Jones, who scored 15.
Before Italy gained the ascendency, Giacomo Galanda was a key factor in keeping the Europeans in touch.
The 2.10m tall centre contributed a couple of crucial three-pointers before captain Carlton Myers and guard Alessandro Abio stepped up to extinguish any chance of a boilover.
New Zealand next plays The United States on Saturday.
- NZPA
Basketball: Tall Blacks give Italians a scare
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