NZ Select face tough African side in China

The New Zealand Mens Select team plays Cameroon tonight in the second game of their three game Chinese tour, knowing that they face an even tougher task than they did two nights ago against Montenegro.

Despite leading comfortably at halftime, Cameroon were narrowly beaten by the stacked local Shenzhen Leopards team in the other side of the draw, and NZ Select Head Coach Pero Cameron has no doubt they will be up a level from Montenegro.

"They looked good, especially in the first half against Shenzhen and I thought should have been leading by more, but they couldnt finish the game off. They are very athletic, mobile and very active and will present a huge challenge for our young side tonight.

"But that is what this tour is all about, seeing which players are capable of stepping up and in the process taking on board valuable lessons in international basketball. We have been able to get some more out of the group with the trainings we have had since the game against Montenegro and will need to improve on that performance."

Houston ORiley has continued to train through the calf strain suffered early in the tour and will again be suiting up to give the team valuable minutes at the point, working with Derone Raukawa in guiding the team around the floor. Brook Ruscoe is still very much in doubt though as a result of an ankle sprain suffered early in the loss against Montenegro and while he will suit up, he may only be called upon if players are in foul trouble.

The game tips off at 9:30pm NZT, there is no live stats or streaming coverage, with updates provided as often as is possible on the Basketball New Zealand twitter account @BasketballNZ

Friday 22 July

NZ Select v Cameroon or Shenzhen

Tip off 9:30pm NZT

Sunday 24 July

NZ Select v Shenzhen Leopards

Tip off midnight NZT

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Basketball New Zealand