AUCKLAND (FIBA U19 World Championship) - New Zealand’s defensive woes have continued at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Auckland, but their disciplined offence has seen them record a comfortable 18-point victory over Syria in the 13-16 playoffs.

Centre Rob Loe again showed he is a star of the future, making the important plays when his team needed them. Richie Edwards rebounded from his disappointing game against Kazakhstan to record 17 points and 7 rebounds.

The Junior Tall Blacks burst out of the blocks, leading 15-2 after 2:06, but allowed Syria to score 12 points in the last three minutes to close to 33-21 at quarter time.

The second quarter belonged to Syria, outscoring New Zealand 16-9 over the first seven minutes to close within 5 points. Syria closed the half 10 in arrears, but would have been much closer had it not been for 211cm Loe, who scored 5 points, grabbed 3 boards, dished out 2 assists and made a steal in the last 2:29 to keep the Kiwis clear.

The Syrians would not threaten again, as the Junior Tall Blacks extended the lead to 79-53 at three quarter time and 93-75 at game’s end.

The outstanding Loe finished with 25 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks, and drew 8 fouls on Syria. Edwards and captain Dion Prewster (11 points, 5 rebounds) were also strong performers for New Zealand.

For Syria, Tarek Al Jabe scored 15 points and Orwa Al Shatti 14. Syria’s 75 points were easily their best, having not managed more than 54 points in the tournament. They shot at a solid 40% from the field and hauled in 44 rebounds to New Zealand’s 38.

New Zealand now face Angola tomorrow at 1:30pm at ASB Stadium in the playoff for 13th position, while Syria will face Iran for positions 15 and 16 at 11:00am.

FIBA