A slow start cost Malaysia as they went down to a HoopNation New Zealand Selection in Whanganui on Tuesday night.
But the visitors steadily improved throughout the game and edged the second half on the way to a 93-76 loss at Springvale Stadium.
It was the third game of Malaysia's six-match North Island tour and first of three matches against the HoopNation Selection.
In front of a near full stadium, the HoopNation Selection, made up of ex-Tall Blacks and NBL regulars, shot out an early lead with an initial 13-point run which the visitor's were never able to haul back.
The New Zealanders were too strong in the key with Malaysia - ranked 67th in the world - regularly muscled off the ball while prone to giving away free throws at the other end.