Despite only having three practice sessions under their belts New Zealand Select gained a convincing 83-64 victory against Montenegro in their tour opener in China last night.
Played in Changshu, two hours north west of Shanghai, NZ Select began strongly against their European opposition opening up a 26-19 first quarter lead extended to 48-30 by half-time.
NBL championship winning Wellington Saints forward Jordan Ngatai led the Select scoring at the interval with 12 points, his effort included a couple of trademark triples.
It was more of the same in the third period with the lead stretching to 73-40. An untidy final quarter didnt mar a good first up effort from coach Paul Henares inexperienced side.
Ngatai finished with 16 points (4/7FG, 6/8FT), Ethan Rusbatch scored 12, converting four from five three-point attempts and Derone Raukawa was the other player in double figures with 10 points (3/5FG, 3/4FT). Southland Sharks forward James Hunter chipped in with a useful nine points.
The young forward trio of Sam Timmins, Yani Wetzell and Finn Delany corralled 20 rebounds between them as New Zealand won the rebound count 39-31.
FINAL SCORE: Montenegro 64. NZ Select 83 (Ngatai 16, Rusbatch 12, Raukawa 10, Hunter 9, Wetzell 7/7, Aston 7, Cook-Green 7, Delany 6/7, King-Hawea 5, Timmins 3/6, Tolovae 1)
- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Basketball New Zealand
NZ Select trounce Montenegro
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