Basketball: Tall Blacks beat Russia

Tall Blacks assistant coach Dillon Boucher. Photo / Photosport

The New Zealand men's basketball team showed encouraging form ahead of the upcoming world championship to beat Russia at a four-nation tournament in Croatia today.

The Tall Blacks won 67-65 in Zadar, a week after losing 76-89 to the Russians at another tournament in Slovenia.

The New Zealanders turned that result around with an improved resolve after the Russians rushed out to an early 19-5 lead.

The Tall Blacks hit a run of 10 successive points to work their way back into the game.

"It was a very good turnaround from last time," Tall Blacks assistant coach Dillon Boucher said.

"We focused hard on the game and felt that we wanted to play well, execute well when we needed to and step up defensively, which is what won us the game."

One negative to emerge for the Tall Blacks was their gifting Russia 26 turnovers.

"The fact we can have 26 turnovers and still win is good and shows the character of the team," Boucher said.

"We don't lie down for anyone. Russia looked tired - our physicality and style of play appeared to rattle them. We were the fresher team."

Craig Bradshaw led the scoring for New Zealand with 15 points while Phill Jones contributed 13.

New Zealand play Jordan tomorrow, their last outing before the world championship starts in Turkey next weekend.

New Zealand 67 (Craig Bradshaw 15, Phill Jones 13, Tom Abercrombie 11) Russia 65 (Vitalija Fridzon 15, Sergej Blattovoj 14).

- NZPA