Basketball: Lights go out on the Tall Blacks' defence

Turkey were too strong for the New Zealand men's team yesterday, downing the Tall Blacks 86-79 in Istanbul.

There was no light relief for the Tall Blacks, even when the stadium lights went out with just 37 1/2s remaining and New Zealand just three points adrift.

When the lights came back on, Turkey pulled away to win by six.

Canadian-born Tall Blacks' guard Aaron Olson top-scored for the visitors with 17 points.

Kirk Penney chimed in with 16 and Sean Marks, 10, in the first of two tests in the Turkish capital as the Tall Blacks continue their Olympics build-up.

An Olson three-pointer moved New Zealand close just before the lights went out at Abdi Ipekci Stadium, but despite planned plays from coach Tab Baldwin, Turkey finished the stronger when play resumed after several minutes.

Newly re-signed San Antonio Spur Marks had run into early foul trouble for the Tall Blacks and senior pros Pero Cameron and Phill Jones shot just 16 points between them.

Turkey were led by NBA regulars Hedo Turkoglu, a former team-mate of Marks at the Spurs, and Mehmet Okur, who won a championship ring with the Detroit Pistons last season.

Baldwin was left to rue a defensive effort which did not match the team's offence.

"We probably executed the best we have on tour," he said. "But even though they were getting good looks, some of our shooters were not shooting well.

"When that happens, you have to combat with good defence ... but that just didn't happen."

Baldwin said it was time the Tall Blacks started winning. "I didn't think we played that well. We've had more than a month together and I don't think the game reflected that.

"Our defence has been our Achilles heel and at times it was non-existent. We're good enough to play consistent defence, but we're just not getting the job done."

Earlier, Turkey jumped out to a six-point advantage in the opening quarter, before three-pointers from Olson and US-born centre Ed Book narrowed the margin to 22-18 at the first break.

At halftime, Turkey were up by only two, 40-38, but accelerated ahead when guard Serkan Erdogan hit three times in quick succession from beyond the arc.

The Tall Blacks drew to within one point after a pair of Olson free throws, but an 11-2 run against them saw the team trail 64-54 into the final quarter.

A scoring run from Olson pulled New Zealand back into contention before 12 points from Okur in the final quarter made the job difficult for the Tall Blacks.

A huge basket from Okur with 53.6s remaining took Turkey near safety before the lights went out.

After the game, Turkish coach Bogdan Tanjevic praised his new charges.

"Our experienced players, with their knowledge and positivity, helped the younger players and motivated them to come through with a good result."

The Tall Blacks face Turkey again today.

- NZPA