The Tall Blacks suffered a final quarter capitulation before edging past Cameroon 85-82 in their latest game on tour in China.
New Zealand was heading for a comfortable win, leading by 15 points at three-quarter time before they struggled for baskets in the final stanza.
The Tall Blacks trailed inside the last minute before claiming the victory.
Kirk Penney shot a game high 25 points, while Mika Vukona, Casey Frank and Nick Horvath dominated rebounds with 8 boards apiece.
The Tall Blacks play Ivory Coast tonight (NZT).
