Basketball: Tall Blacks slip back to sixth

BRISBANE - New Zealand's Goodwill Games basketball campaign ended on a disappointing note when the Tall Blacks lost 75-70 to Canada to finish in sixth place.

New Zealand had beaten the same opponents 89-64 in their opening game, but found the Canadian defence more difficult to crack this time.

The lead changed hands several times in an exciting final quarter, but Canada pulled away as the Tall Blacks appeared to tire. They missed big men Tony Rampton and Pero Cameron, who were benched for most of the game because of early foul problems.

New Zealand led 50-45 going into the final 10 minutes.

Canada ran hot with their early shooting and led 20-14 and 35-30 through each of the first two quarters.

New Zealand went on a 12-2 streak early in the second half, highlighted by two consecutive three-pointers to 39-year-old forward Willie Burton.

Burton and Damon Rampton had to step up because of the lengthy absences of Cameron and Tony Rampton.

Despite the loss, the tournament was a success for the Tall Blacks, whose early win against Canada was followed by a giant upset over Brazil.

New Zealand's other results last week were an 81-62 loss to Australia and a comfortable 85-66 win over Cuba. Their prizemoney of $US27,500 will go to Basketball New Zealand.

The Tall Blacks now face Australia at home in a three-test series from September 21-23. That will determine who represents Oceania at next year's world championships.

The Americans won the final, 91-63 over Argentina, and Brazil sneaked past Australia in the bronze playoff, 94-93.

- NZPA